Overcoming Culture Shock and Embracing Cultural Differences

For many of us, this is the first time we are living away from our home country and living with people of varying cultural backgrounds. Regardless of how much we thought we were prepared to stay in a new country with a diverse set of people, cultural shock is real. It is challenging to connect with people of other cultures, accept their practices, and form friendships. This could be owing to the lack of awareness, or it could be the fear of doing or saying the wrong thing. While it might be overwhelming to begin with, we all get through it sooner or later. Here are fifteen tips to ease the process of accepting differences and enjoying your stay in a new country.

1. Don’t be afraid to communicate and ask questions. It is preferrable to clearly and politely communicate than make assumptions or tolerate unpleasant experiences. For example, if you are unsure about the contents of a food item, don’t hesitate to ask details about the ingredients.

2. Be open to new experiences but don’t feel afraid to say no when uncomfortable. Don’t feel like you need to do things to fit in. It is okay to not give in to the peer pressure. However, that does not mean that you should not push yourself to get out of your comfort zone and try new things. For instance, it might be enjoyable to attend an evening concert as a new experience, however it might be a stretch to spend all weekend at a music festival. You might not be comfortable staying overnight in an unfamiliar place. It is okay to say no to the music festival.

3. Most people are bound to have different accents. It is okay to ask someone to repeat themselves if you do not understand their accent. Be open to repeating what you are saying in case another person does not understand what you are saying. We all come from different countries and are going to have different accents. No accent is superior or inferior. Do not feel embarrassed about your accent.

4. Do not shy away from speaking or communicating even if you are not very fluent in English. Extend the same courtesy to others. Avoid being critical of someone who might not be fluent in English. For many people, English is not their first language. Gently encourage someone who might be hesitant to speak in English. Do not rush to complete their sentences. Be patient and kind.

5. Attend various cultural events and programs. One of the greatest things about staying abroad is the exposure that we can get. Grab any opportunity to attend the different cultural programs being organized at school, housing, or work. These are great ways to learn about different cultures and understand how people live.

6. Travel and explore. Go to new places. Eat outside at different restaurants whenever you have the chance. Ask your new friends if they want to tag along. It would not only be a great way to see new places but will also give you time to bond. Plus, food is always a great window to another culture.

7. Make a conscious effort to befriend people with identities different than yours. It is comfortable to be surrounded by those who have similar experiences. However, it is worth getting to know people with different lived experiences.

8. Tipping is always tricky to maneuver. You could come from somewhere where you are not accustomed to tipping. However, in the United States, tipping is a common practice. Usually, 15 to 22% is deemed appropriate. This applies to serving staff in restaurants as well as hairdressers, nail stylists, delivery persons, and rideshare drivers among others. The rates might differ from place to place. Look for any signs indicating the standard tipping rates.

9. Do not put down or idealize your culture. It is important to embrace your culture when you are in a different country. It might help you stay grounded when you are feeling homesick. Something as simple as wearing your ethnic clothes or cooking your favorite food from home might help. However, avoid idealizing your culture and practices. It might be perilous to do so. You will miss out on new experiences and opportunities while looking for something which is not available.

10. Get ready to switch from the metric system to the imperial system. Siri, Google assistant, or any other assistant will become your go to as you frequently convert fahrenheit to Celsius, miles to meters, ounces to litres, and so on. You get the picture. It might take a few days, weeks or even months to get used to it. You will eventually get there, or perpetually rely on your technology. However, it doesn’t matter as long as you get the information.

11. It is uncommon to find room temperature water at restaurants here. Expect to find cold water with ice almost everywhere. If you are unable to find room temperature water, just request for hot water and mix it with your cold water.

12. Portion sizes might come as a surprise. In United States, the portion sizes might usually be larger than what it is in most countries. You might want to hold off from ordering the other dish that caught your eye. Wait till you see the portion size before ordering another dish.

13. Using credit or debit cards is more common than using cash. While most places accept cash, it is not very common to carry cash. It is safe to carry a few dollars when technology might fail you, however most people prefer using their cards. This might not be the practice in your home country, however it might be convenient to make the switch.

14. Clean up after yourself. It is highly recommended to clean the bathroom, kitchen, or any other common space after using it. It indicates that you are mindful and respectful of others.

15. Do not push your peers to do something that they might not be comfortable doing. We all have different boundaries. What might be comfortable for you might not be for another person. It is always better to seek consent. For example, some people might not be used to physical touch and gestures. It is respectful to ask for permission before touching them or hugging them.

It is incredibly difficult to shift to another country and build a new life. Avoid being harsh on yourself and be kind to yourself. This is an indicative list and by no means exhaustive. Please feel free to continue to add to this list in the comment section.

The “Did You Know?” section is brought to you by the CILP Program Assistants team covering various topics on social justice issues. This week’s author is Srianusha Thotakura.