Culture Shock

• It is a distressful emotional reaction to an unfamiliar environment experienced by students who arrive in a foreign culture and linguistic space.
• The mental shock experienced by international students during the process of adjusting to a foreign country and culture, which may or may not necessarily, be dramatically different from the student's.
• Initially, it is an emotional reaction to a new environment, which, without intervention, can progress to become a mental health problem.

Culture Shock Triggers:

• A sense of loss and feeling of deprivation
• Emotional strain due to migration
• Confusion of role and expectations of new culture
• Disruption in perceived 'Normalcy' associated with student's culture
• Feeling of powerlessness

Symptoms of Culture Shock include:

• Feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, helplessness, sadness and worthlessness
• Loss of identity
• Irregular eating and sleeping
• Extreme homesickness
• Difficulties with concentration, memory, and decision-making

You can learn more about Culture Shock by watching the videos below:

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3
• Part 4
• Part 5

(Acknowledgement: Columbia Business School)

Need help? Contact the Counseling and Wellness Center (Marcus White Hall)