Americans Control of the Environment fate Change tradition ...

Cultural Adaptation Culture Shock, Adaptation Stages and Tips Culture Shock Feeling isolated while living abroad for an extended period of time Being cut off from ones culture, family, language Having ones values, traditions, routines in question Being expected to be highly functional

within a foreign environment Some Symptoms Homesickness Withdrawal Sadness/crying Family conflict Inability to concentrate Too much/little sleep Too much/little eating/drinking Anger/irritability Illness

Cultural Variations Body language Courtship practices

Perceptions of beauty Hierarchy & leadership Cleanliness & hygiene Concepts of fairness

The Iceberg Concept of Culture CHANGE TIME EQUALITY INDIVIDUAL INITIATIVE FUTURE INFORMALITY DIRECTNESS RULES

TRADITION HUMAN INTERACTION RANK GROUP INHERITANCE PAST FORMALITY INDIRECTNESS NEGOTIATION Adapted from The Values Americans Live By by L. Robert Kohls

Ask your neighbor Have you experienced culture shock before? What is one way youve been surprised since arriving in the US? How do you think your experience of those surprises might evolve over time? 4 STAGES

OF CULTURAL ADAPTATION STAGE STAGE STAGE STAGE 1: 2: 3: 4: FUN AND EXCITEMENT

IRRITATION AND HOSTILITY GRADUAL ADJUSTMENT ADAPTATION AND BICULTURALISM Source: Window on the World, Inc. Stage 1: Fun and Excitement The honeymoon period Relief that you are finally here Great expectations Everything is new, fascinating, intriguing, exciting Focus is on how we are all alike

Stage 2: Irritation and Hostility Focus changes from similarities to differences Differences are frustrating Students may feel inadequate and unproductive Little difficulties become major problems Reality sets in

Stage 3: Gradual Adjustment Have adopted some of the local values and customs Feel less isolated Increase in self confidence Gradually learning to function well under new conditions Stage 4: Adaptation and Biculturalism Increased enjoyment of

new context Ability to function in two cultures with confidence Feeling that life may be just as good or better than before Realization that there will be things you will miss when you leave Key Challenges Formal vs. informal writing Understanding instructions Communicating with faculty and

classmates Participating in group/classroom discussions Managing coursework load Keys to Cultural Adjustment Participate in social activities Create new support systems Take care of yourself Improve your language

General Tips Use Google and the RSPH website to find info Use Wikipedia only to find other sources Look ahead and make appointments in advance RSVP and dont be a no show Dont be offended by government or other officials (i.e. the DMV)

Talk to a counselor Make new friends Be kind to yourself, manage your expectations and remember youre not alone! Give yourself a break and manage your expectations! Just when the caterpillar

thought the world was over, she became a butterfly. Barbara Haines Howett, Ladies of YOUR RSPH STUDENT/ALUMNI PANELISTS: Shreya Kothari Joyce Beyamu Bishan Huang

Jiabei He Got questions? Ask the experts!