How to Cope with Culture Shock As a US Exchange Student

“You experience culture shock in the small differences that you don’t expect” -Bryce NTU Global Lounge, Clifton Campus

	During the months leading up to my study abroad adventure in the United Kingdom, I was excited and I felt as ready as possible. With that being said, I thought it would be an easy adventure. I felt well-equipped and unshakeable. Everyone told me studying abroad was a hard experience where you grow and stretch as a person. I knew I would grow, however, I never expected the experience I have had while abroad. 

	This adventure has been incredibly hard at times, due to culture shock. Coming from the United States, I wholeheartedly believed the UK was exactly like the US with few minor differences. They drive on the other side of the road, have cleaner food, accents, and great public transport, and they use pounds as currency instead of dollars. Those were the changes I expected, not the ones I found at grocery stores, in restaurants, and when speaking to others. When speaking to others who have studied abroad, they agree that the small, unexpected changes that alter one's life create anxiety and stress (culture shock) when abroad. 

	With that being said, I have a few tips for others who are planning to study abroad. The first is to research your necessities. Research grocery stores, how they work, and what products they keep in stock. This is one thing that caused me stress. I expected some resemblance to an American grocery store, however, I was so wrong. Every country operates entirely differently, so it is worth it to look into grocery stores, popular restaurants (fast food), and your favorite things. For me, I researched Starbucks, donut shops, and what surrounded my apartment, so I could familiarize myself with the area before moving. 

Another piece of advice I have is to expect/prepare for culture shock and to give yourself grace. Go into study abroad knowing you will be uncomfortable at times, you’ll have to get out of your comfort zone. I went into the UK proud and set in my ways, fully unaware of the differences I would endure abroad. If I expected differences, I would have prepared myself better. Similarly, one thing I struggle with is being wrong, but you have to be okay with being wrong when abroad. When you do something wrong, you grow and adapt to correct your mistakes. You will have a much less anxious time if you give yourself the grace to make mistakes and grow, as you're new to your host country. Walking into a new culture and country, you cannot expect yourself to know everything, this was a mistake I made. 

Lastly, have a support system. Everyone talks about support systems when studying abroad, but I never fully understood what they meant. Having people I can talk to and vent to is so important. Luckily, I am studying with my best friend, and she is my main support system. She's the one person who fully understands what I am going through and I fully do not think I would have made it a week outside of the US without her. Sadly, not everyone can travel with their best friend, so if you are alone, it is imperative to plan how you can call and connect with your support system while abroad. I currently call my mom for support at least once a week, and when I first arrived in the UK, I needed her support because it was such a hard transition for me. As for a support system in your host country, I recommend finding at least one person you can openly talk to about your feelings. I found the head of my global lounge, and he has been so helpful when it comes to validating my feelings of culture shock. Since he leads the global lounge, he is knowledgeable when it comes to exchange and students who study abroad. I highly recommend connecting with your global lounge because most universities have them. 

Overall, studying abroad is one of the hardest things I have ever done, but I would recommend it to anyone willing to grow. It has been incredible to experience a different way of living.