As I watched the Culture Shock video, I could definitely relate to a lot of the comments as well as understand and empathize with the students. Although I grew up in the United States, coming from a South Asian background, I had a few similar experiences. Because American culture is quite different from South Asian culture, I had to learn to find the balance of both cultures as well as learn to adapt to different customs and/or mannerisms that were unique to each culture.
Also, I have several International friends who have told me many stories that are similar to the ones in the video. International students undergo several challenges as they live and study abroad. One thing that was mentioned in the video as well as my peers have commented about is how Americans greet each other in passing. Usually, Americans say “Hey, what’s up?” or “Hey, how are you?” yet they don’t actually expect a complete response to this question. Many international students find this frustrating and strange. Why would someone ask you how you are if they aren’t going to stop and hear what you have to say?
The video also talks about how students initially experience loneliness or homesickness when they first encounter culture shock. This was also mentioned in the reading for this week. We experience culture shock in a series of stages. First, we are amazed and excited about our new environment. However, we then may begin to feel lonely and may seek out resources to help ease the transition. Being an International student is definitely not easy. Students are placed out of their comfort zone and are forced to take risks and experience new things. It takes a while to adapt to the customs of the home country.
Watching the video also made me reflect on my abroad experience this past summer in Spain. When I first arrived, I wanted to see everything, do everything, and meet everyone! However, after a while I started to feel out of my comfort zone a little as I had to put in the extra effort to speak in Spanish and meet the natives. If I wanted to get the most out of my experience, I knew that I had to put in more on my part. It is also important to understand cultural differences instead of quickly becoming frustrated.
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