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Preliminary Stage

The preliminary phase includes anticipation of and preparation for your journey. It is characterized by a growing awareness of the host culture, preparation for the trip, and involvement in farewell activities.

Initial Euphoria

The initial euphoric phase begins with your arrival in the new country. Everything seems wonderful and exciting at first, and you are struck by how similar people seem to be.

Irritability

During the irritability phase, your focus turns from the similarities to the differences. You will be acclimating to your setting and will likely become frustrated with elementary aspects of everyday life because things still appear so foreign to you. Insignificant difficulties can seem like major problems. One typical reaction during this stage is to associate mainly with other Americans -- but remember, you are going abroad to get to know your host country, its people, culture, and language. If you avoid contact with others, you cheat yourself of valuable experiences and lengthen the process of adaptation. This phase is often called "culture shock.”

Gradual Adjustment

When you become more used to the new culture, you will slip into the gradual adjustment stage -- you may not even be aware that this is happening. You will begin to orient yourself, to interpret subtle cultural clues, and to feel comfortable and familiar with the culture.

Adaptation and Biculturalism

Eventually, not only will you be more comfortable with the host culture, but you may also feel a part of it and even value aspects of it over your native culture.

This is a term that psychologists use to describe the disorientation people experience when they move for an extended period of time to a culture different from their own. Some of the symptoms of relatively severe cases of culture shock include:

• Homesickness
• Boredom
• Withdrawal (e.g., spending excessive time alone or only with Americans)
• Excessive sleeping or eating
• Irritability
• Stereotyping of or hostility toward host nationals
• Physical or psychosomatic ailments

Although not everyone will suffer from such dramatic symptoms, students going abroad will all likely experience some degree of culture shock. In fact, recent studies have shown that virtually everyone who lives abroad goes through a distinct set of phases as they adjust to their new culture.

Once abroad, you can take some steps to minimize emotional and physical ups and downs.

• Learn as much as you can about the host country before going.
• Keep yourself healthy through regular exercise, staying hydrated, and good eating habits.
• Get enough sleep. While staying out late can be fun, your body is still adjusting to the new time-zone.
• Try to establish routines that incorporate both the difficult and enjoyable tasks of the day or week.
• Don't expect things to be the same as they are at home. You have left home to experience new things.
• Stay in touch with your friends and family, but don’t just call them when you are lonely or frustrated. Share your accomplishments and the positive moments with them. They will like knowing that you are enjoying your time abroad.
• Don’t confuse difference with inferiority. The U.S. is a unique and well-developed country, but that does not necessarily make it the best one. Others will likely love their country as much as you may love the U.S.
• Don’t judge the people of a country by the one person with whom you have trouble with.
• Resist looking down on or making jokes and comments about the host culture. Avoid others who take part in such derogatory remarks.
• Treat yourself to an occasional indulgence, such as an American magazine or newspaper, a favorite meal or beverage, or a long talk with other Americans experiencing the same challenges.
• Accept invitations to activities that will allow you to see parts of the host culture outside the classroom and help you to meet new people.
• Remember that you are a guest in the host country and that when you treat a host with respect, you will be treated similarly.
• Be flexible and open to new experiences. Your trip, classes, or stay may not be exactly what you expected. Be open to change and all that comes with it.
• Above all keep an open mind, be sensitive to the feelings of others, and maintain your sense of humor.