CULTURAL SHOCK!!

You may have heard these words -- Culture Shock -- already and possibly within a negative context. Conflict in our lives, however, does not have to be negative or incapacitating. It can be used as a source of motivation, introspection, and change. Keep this in mind as you read on.Culture shock is defined as a psychological disorientation that most people experience when living in a culture markedly different from one’s own. Culture shock occurs when our "...cultural clues, the signs and symbols which guide social interaction, are stripped away. ...A difficult part of this process for adults is the experience of feeling like children again, of not knowing instinctively the ‘right’ thing to do."

Symptoms of culture shock include:
Homesickness
Boredom
Withdrawal
Excessive sleep
Compulsive eating/drinking
Irritability
Stereotyping host nationals
Hostility towards host nationals

Everyone experiences culture shock in different ways, at different times and to different degrees. Since you will be spending a lot of your time with other Americans, the culture shock you should expect would be minimal compared to someone who is going to live with a Swiss host family and attend a Swiss university without any other Americans around.

Usually the cultural adjustment process follows a certain pattern. At first, you will be excited about going to Europe and starting a new adventure. When you first arrive, everything will appear new and exciting. However, after some time, you may start to feel homesick and question why the Swiss (or Italians or French) do things differently than Americans do. You may even become irritated with these differences. However, you will eventually get used to this new way of life. And before you know it, you will be getting excited about the return home to your family and friends.* An orientation will be provided for you upon arrival to the Center. This orientation will include information regarding culture shock and how to cope with it. In addition, the Student Affairs Coordinator is available to assist students with the cultural adjustment process.