An international education institute, Hope Medical Institute opens paths for aspiring medical students in the United States to pursue their education at leading medical schools in Europe. Students who go to these medical schools receive affordable, high quality education. They may, however, have to deal with culture shock in their first year of study just like attending any other school.
Culture shock is common among international students. It describes the mental and emotional shock people experience adjusting to a foreign environment with unfamiliar people, routines, values, and food. This shock is often made worse by homesickness, a craving for the familiar people, food, and norms the person left back home.
Students who have lived their whole lives in the United States are particularly prone to experiencing severe culture shock at a foreign school. If you are one of them, you may be feeling disoriented and stressed. Do not be too alarmed. Understand that your feelings are normal and that if you give yourself time, you will be comfortable at your new school. To acclimatize faster, though, you will have to take certain steps. One is doing as much research as you can about your new home.
Start by learning about the routines and social norms, including rules of etiquette, of the people in the country. You can do this by speaking to classmates, locals, or people who have traveled to the country before. Travel guides, books, and forums are other good sources of information. You can also get tips from the university’s support staff.
In your research, identify where the local culture differs from your own and find out why. For example, do they have different work/study hours? Do they schedule tasks differently? What about behaviors in social settings, such as how they greet each other, interact, and plan gatherings? Is this different from home? Context is incredibly important. Once you understand the reasons behind the differences, you will find it easier to embrace the new way of life.
In your learning, maintain an open mind. Stave off judgment or labeling one way as better than the other. This will only impede your progress in assimilating. Let go of assumptions and see the world through your hosts’ eyes.
Something else to study is the country’s climate, as this will impact many things, including your choice of housing and dress. If you are from warmer regions of the US like the South and are moving to a much colder climate, you will have to research the weather and purchase appropriate clothing.
Beyond research, the best way to get accustomed to a new environment is to actually put yourself out there. A convenient way of doing this is socializing around your passions. What are things you enjoyed doing back home that you can still do in your new city? If you enjoyed playing a sport, find a place you can play. If you enjoyed volunteering, search for groups you can help by offering your time. If you attended church back at home or went to a gym regularly, find a church or gym near you and join. Make an effort to expose yourself to new people and experiences in a way that is familiar.
Notably, you do not have to do all this alone. You can find other international students at your school, share your learning experiences with them, and build a supportive community to help each other overcome culture shock.
Finally, find something personal to comfort you when you are off balance, preferably something that reconnects you to home. It could be as simple as watching your favorite TV show, preparing your favorite dish, or calling a family member.
