Students
Culture Shock
When you leave your home culture, you separate yourself from the people and circumstances that have defined your role in society. It is possible that you may experience a loss of some of your identity. The impact of this change can be disorienting. It is called "culture shock." Culture shock can manifest itself in a number of ways.
Some of the signs of culture shock are:
- Fits of anger over minor inconveniences
- Irritability
- Extreme homesickness
- Withdrawal from people who are different from you
- A new and intense feeling of loyalty to your own culture
- Compulsive eating or a loss of appetite
- Boredom
- A need for excessive periods of sleep
- Headaches
- Upset stomach
- Excessive concern over minor pains
- Depression
- Loss of ability to work effectively
- Unexplainable fits of crying
- Marital stress
- Exaggerated cleanliness
- Feeling sick much of the time
- Difficulty concentrating
This is a long list! You do not need to suffer from every item on the list to experience culture shock. Of course, if you have a physical complaint (such as headaches or upset stomach), it is a good idea to have it reviewed by a physician before deciding that you are experiencing a symptom of culture shock.
There are several things you can do to minimize the signs/symptoms of culture shock. Trying several of the following suggestions is probably more effective than trying just one. You may even prevent culture shock by following some of these suggestions before you notice any symptoms:
- Keep active. Spend time outside of your room or apartment. Observe Kittitians in their own culture. Watch. Listen. Learn. This process increases your knowledge of Kittitian culture and makes it easier to understand differences in habits, customs, and social practices.
- Exercise. Find some physical activity that you can enjoy. Exercise can be an effective way to lessen worry and depression.
- Join groups. Your adjustment will be easier if you participate in campus organizations. There are many student groups on campus.
- Talk with other students about how they're managing the changes.
- Try new things.
- Remember your family. If your partner has moved with you, remember that they may experience culture shock, as well. They, too, will be making difficult adjustments. It will help their transition if you can encourage them to take many of the same steps you might be taking -- keeping active, making friends, reading, exercising, and attending various activities and events in St. Kitts. If you left your family back home, they will want to hear from you. Writing or calling regularly will help to maintain your relationship.
- Be patient. Culture shock is something that many students experience, while they are studying in a foreign location. Remind yourself that the problem is not permanent. Simply realize what is happening to you, and give yourself time to adjust.
