Culture shock is regarded as a natural thing for most international students. However, it should not be underestimated because it can trigger the onset of acute depression. Therefore, for you who wish to continue to study abroad, it's good to first read this article.
Typically, students who experienced culture shock are those who are still unstable in adapting. The state of the environment, especially the campus and classes were not as expected is known to be one of the factors causing symptoms of culture shock.
Culture shock is associated with a state in which there is excessive anxiety and confusion experienced by the people who occupy new territories and foreign.
There are four stages of the emergence of culture shock:
1. The first stage is the honeymoon phase
A stage where you will feel happy upon arrival in a new country, let alone that you've never visited before.
2. The second stage, the crisis phase
Ie the difference in a new country is not fit either food, accent difficult to understand, purchase habits and feel lonely. It just makes you feel isolated from the environment. But you'll get through if it is able to adjust well.
3. The third phase, the adjustment phase
In this phase, you begin to interact with the environment in a new country.
4. The fourth stage, bi-cultural phase
You feel comfortable living with two cultures at once. This is a good indication, because you've gotten through a small natural selection. But there are also students who are worshiping foreign cultures so that when they returned to their own country, he instead feel strange return. For that there must be a balance between understanding the cultures without leaving our identity as a nation of Indonesia.
Then, how to not be depressed as a result of culture shock?
The answer is:
Add your insight regarding the country of study. The best way is to read the guide books about the destination country, ask the people who once lived there, browsing the Internet, and most importantly do not imagine life there as always we watch in movies or television. You might even get caught up in hallucinations and misconceptions
Find out about the culture, customs, a popular sport in the country of destination to pembicaraaan everyday topics as well as body language. One more thing you should know is humor in the destination country, lest we kidding material in ground water instead of offending a friend in a foreign country, annoying or even crisp
Upon arrival in the destination country, immediately recognize the local life and know the important places such as post offices, shops, doctors, and international student services office. All that of course will not run smoothly if you feel scared and wary of the new environment. So, dare to ask about the circumstances and customs in a new place. In addition, also read the local newspaper so that you know the topic of conversation was warm and you can discuss with your new friends
But do not forget the homeland too engrossed customize this and it was in a new country. Stay online to monitor the latest news about the homeland, this could also be one of the topics of conversation. Other international students usually share stories about the country of origin
On campus there is usually a supporting activity for students. Get info on the international student service centers on package holidays and campus activities that match your talents and interests. You will soon get to know friends as an activity with which you follow. In essence, be a person who likes to socialize.