Leaving home to study in another country is an exciting prospect. There are many new and positive experiences waiting for you. Sometimes there can also be new cultural experiences that present challenges and which may take a little time to get used to. This is sometimes referred to as culture shock.
In these activities, you will learn more about culture shock and the kind of challenges that you may meet.
Activity 1: Facing new challenges
Ling and Jens are two international students who have been studying at a British university. In an interview, they were asked which aspects of life had been new and presented a challenge for them when they first arrived in Britain.
Instruction
Look at their comments, listed on the left, and match each comment to one of the five reasons for culture shock on the right. Do this by clicking on a comment and then clicking on the reason for culture shock. Then check your answers and read the comment below.
I couldn't get used to potatoes with nearly every meal. My stomach rebelled! Food differences
At first I found it difficult to meet people and learn the different way of communicating. I didn't understand the rules. Differences in social behaviour
The English I had learnt at school was so different from how people spoke in the shops and streets. I couldnt' understand the accent. Language problems
The biggest shock was to my wallet! I never imagined that even basic things would be so much more expensive than in my home country. Cost of living
My country is warm and sunny all year round. When I arrive in Britain I felt so cold and I hadn't brought the right clothes with me. Hotter or colder climate
Differences in food, social behaviour, the cost of living, climate and language are five common sources of culture shock for many international students. If you find any of these differences a challenge especially when you first arrive in the UK, you are certainly not alone. It may help you to know that with time you should gradually become more accustomed to cultural differences such as these.
Activity 2: Dealing with questions that arise
In this activity, you will explore how you might deal with some typical questions that could arise in some of the new situations that you will meet.
Instruction
Consider each situation below experienced by an international student in Britain and then select the button next to the advice that is closest to what you would do in their situation. When you have finished check your answers to find out more.
1. It was a Bank holiday and Marco had been in Britain for less than two days when he started to feel unwell and developed a fever. He had no idea what to do. What advice would you give him?
Possible answers: 1, 2 or 4
1. Most British universities have a health centre especially for their students and it is wise to register with the one at your university as soon as possible after your arrival. Do not wait until you become ill. In Marco's situation, whether or not to wait until the next working day to see a doctor depends on how unwell he felt. Alternatively, if he rang the health centre he might hear a recorded message giving the name of a surgery or a telephone number to use when the health centre was closed. 7 day-a-week health centres are also available in many parts of the UK, including Southampton.
2. The Accident and Emergency departments of local hospitals can be used if you are feeling very unwell, but be aware that they can be very busy and you may have to wait a long time before you are able to see a doctor.
3. 999 is the telephone number used in Britain for the emergency services (to request the police, the fire service or an ambulance). It may only be used in emergencies and not for cases of general illness such as Marco's.
4. The NHS Direct service could certainly advise Marco about what he should or shouldn't do. Visit the NHS website: NHS Direct
2. Su-Lin, a student halfway through a masters course in Britain, is very uncertain about how she ought to address the lecturers on her course. Which advice seems best?
Possible answers: 1 or 3 (but see below)
1. The appropriate way to address lecturers and tutors can vary according to the subject area in different British universities. Using a person's full title might be thought of as a little too formal in some subject areas (where students and lecturers may be on first name terms), whereas in other subject areas it might be the standard way for undergraduate students in particular, to address their lecturers. Observe what British students on your course do and copy them.
2. 'Teacher' is not used as a form of address in Britain.
3. It is sometimes appropriate to use first names with tutors in British universities, but to be sure that this level of informality is suitable it is best to observe and copy what British students do.
4. 'Sir' or 'Madam' are not used in university contexts in Britain.
3. Ali had only been in Britain a short time and was having problems understanding English people when they spoke to him. He felt embarrassed and didn't know what he should say when he couldn't understand what someone had said. What would you advise him to do?
Possible answers: 1 or 2
1. This might be useful as a last resort.
2. This would not be considered rude and most British people would be willing to explain again. For example, Ali might say, 'I'm sorry, could you say that again, please.'
3. It might be possible to guess the meaning later; on the other hand, you might also become more 'lost' as the conversation goes on.
4. This would be considered a rather rude way of showing that you have not understood.
4. Because she found the British climate colder than that in her home country, Choomi decided to buy an extra cover for her bed in the university hall of residence. She found what she wanted in a department store, but when she took it to the check-out till to pay, she found that it cost more than she could afford. What should she do?
Possible answer: 4
1. It is not customary to bargain in shops or generally on market stalls in Britain as prices are nearly always fixed. If you are buying something through an advert you may be able to bargain with the person selling.
2. It is often possible to pay for large electrical items by installment (e.g. television, fridge). The price tag will often indicate this and the cost may then include additional interest. Smaller items are normally paid for in full at the time of purchase.
3. Store credit cards are generally not a good way to pay for things in Britain as you will be charged quite a high rate of interest on any money owed.
4. This is probably the best option in this situation. Goods and prices in shops in Britain can vary quite a lot, so it is worth visiting several to find what you want.
Would you like to review the main points?
The longer your stay in Britain, the more you will get to know about British life and culture and discover how to deal with such problems. Here are a few useful tips:
1. Anticipate what you will need to know and do during the first few weeks in Britain and do some research in order to learn as much as you can before you arrive. The weblinks page is a good starting point for this.
2. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Culture shock is quite a common experience and many of the problems that contribute to it can be solved. There are many British people who are willing to help you especially because they have been helped themselves by people when visiting other countries.
3. University students' unions usually provide a wide range of advice for students, including advice specifically for international students. You may wish to look at the 'Southampton University Students' Union' website for examples of the kinds of services that typical students' unions provide. Southampton University Students' Union Online
To explore more resources on culture shock go to the weblinks: Culture shock links
