Office of International Programs

Cultural Adjustment

As you prepare to live in your host destination during your program abroad, you will be exposed to an entirely new culture and environment. While these new surroundings may be exciting, you may experience some stress or anxiety, known as “culture shock,” as you adjust to life in your host country. Reviewing the stages of cultural adjustment can help you identify the tools you need to manage culture shock and have a successful time abroad.

Managing Your Expectations

Living in a new culture and city can be disorienting and distressing, especially when you are already familiar with a set lifestyle as a student at Seton Hall. Keep in mind the following routine changes you may experience abroad.

  • Your housing may be different compared to your dorm at Seton Hall or off-campus. For example, many host countries do not have air conditioning in their accommodation.
  • Your commute may vary greatly in comparison to being a student at Seton Hall. You may have to take public transit and account for traffic when heading to class now, rather than taking a quick walk from your residence hall to class.
  • Your courses at your host institution may be structured differently compared to your Seton Hall courses. Your professor’s expectations of you inside and outside the classroom can be more intense than what you’re familiar with.
  • You may have experience with the language spoken in your host city, but you may have difficulty interacting with the locals. While you may try to speak with them in their language, they may just speak to you in English.

Stages of Adjustment

Everyone adjusts to living and experiencing a new culture differently. However, the following four stages are common phases you may experience as you acclimate to your host country’s way of living.

  • Honeymoon Stage: During your first few days in your host country, you have an initial sense of excitement and fascination with your new surroundings and everyone you meet. You have a sense of eagerness for any challenges you may face while abroad.
  • Culture Shock: The excitement and novelty surrounding your new environment and culture has worn off. You may feel easily frustrated by new problems and with your surroundings, accompanied by a sense of homesickness.
  • The symptoms of culture shock can vary from person to person – review Culture Shock for further details.
  • Adjustment Stage: As you continue to interact with local nationals and culture, you feel more relaxed and confident in your host environment and more capable of responding to the problems you were frustrated about. You have a stronger sense of optimism and positive awareness about the differences between your host culture and home culture.
  • Adaptation Stage: You are now confident living in your host country and culture and can reflect on your early phases of cultural adjustment as a learning experience. You “feel at home” in your surroundings.

Culture Shock

As you undergo culture shock while living in your host country, you may feel disoriented and hostile towards your surroundings. Failing to recognize and respond to your symptoms may make cultural adjustment more difficult, and you may turn to poor coping habits. To help identify culture shock and recognize what you need during this stage, keep in mind the various symptoms you may experience, such as:

  • Feelings of discomfort, self-doubt, irritation, and frustration, as well as a loss of humor.
  • Withdrawing to spend time by yourself and avoiding interactions with others.
  • A general negative perspective towards the local people and culture of your host country, including a feeling of superiority over local citizens.
  • Increased wariness and concern about minor health issues.
  • A sudden change in eating and drinking habits, accompanied by a sense of boredom or fatigue.
  • Longing for familiar things from home and a strong sense of homesickness.

Adapting to Life Abroad 

Being able to successfully navigate the phases of adjustment can help build your intercultural understanding and confidence as a student and individual. Reaching the final adjustment period within your new surroundings will be easier if you identify what coping strategies may help you, such as the ones below:

  • Recognize that this confusion and frustration is part of living within a new culture and location.
  • Try to learn the new culture and language and explore the local sights.
  • Develop new friendships and relationships, as well as stay in contact with your support network back home.
  • Take part in a hobby or activity that reminds you of home.

Try to maintain an open mind during your program. These new changes and surroundings can be both frustrating and exciting. Take advantage of the new opportunities and experiences available to you within your host country and city.