Culture shock

The expected confrontation with the unfamiliar

Leaving home and travelling to study in a new country can be a stressful experience. Even though it may be something you have planned and prepared for, the extent of the change and the effects it has on you may take you by surprise. If you find that you are surprised by the effects of the change, it might be helpful to realise that your experience is quite normal. This applies whatever country you come from, and wherever you are going to study, even though some cultures are more similar than others because of geographic, historic, and other connections.

'Culture shock' describes the impact of moving from a familiar culture to one which is unfamiliar. It can affect anyone, including international students. It includes the shock of a new environment, meeting lots of new people and learning the ways of a different country. It also includes the shock of being separated from the important people in your life, maybe family, friends, colleagues, teachers: people you would normally talk to at times of uncertainty, people who give you support and guidance. When familiar sights, sounds, smells or tastes are no longer there you can miss them very much. If you are tired and jet-lagged when you arrive small things can be upsetting and out of all proportion to their real significance.

An outline of the various stages of culture shock is described in the following leaflet from UKCISA, the Council for International Education. The leaflet also contains some useful advice that may help you to settle more quickly in life in Britain.

Find out more about International students and culture shock on the UKCISA website