According to the Oxford dictionary, culture shock is the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone when they are suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes.

This might include the shock of a new environment, meeting new people, eating new food, or adapting to a foreign language, as well as the shock of being separated from the important people in your life: such as family, friends, colleagues, and teachers.

College campuses are ideal places to learn from others. While we can read about different cultures, there is no better way to truly understand the rich diversity of cultures and ethnicities than living and studying together. This is often an important part of college education, but usually not discussed. The learning is personal and interactive.

Many students are not prepared for the culture on American college campuses, such as co-ed dorms, informal relationships with “authority figures” such as professors or college leaders, and differences in food and alcohol in social settings and community events.

Discrimination

Racial and Ethnic Prejudice. International students can be perceived as outsiders and feel marginalized in class and social settings. Those lacking complete fluency in English or those with more obvious accents are often treated as if they are intellectually challenged. There is prejudice against markings or headdresses identifying membership in religious or ethnic groupings.

Stereotyping

International students are often misunderstood and subject to false assumptions about their native culture. Studies suggests that American high school education system does not normally expose students to a real-life understanding of cultures in other countries outside of coursework in history or social studies. There are many countries American teens are not familiar with at all, or they may be aware of only historical stereotypes. In addition, there are many complexities within ethnic minorities and persecuted groups, as well as cross-border tensions between countries, that are not presented to students.

Financial Difficulties

Getting Loans and Jobs. It is difficult to get student loans or a U.S. credit card without a U.S. Social Security number or a credit history. Additionally, international students’ visas do not allow them to have jobs unless they are co-sponsored by their college or university.

Furthermore, because of the high costs of tuition and room and board, many international students feel extra pressure to excel academically. They may feel obliged to their families to limit their majors to those considered practical or lucrative, and may not be encouraged to explore the full range of possible careers.

Psychological Difficulties

Emotional difficulties is considered one of the most profound problems for international students, resulting in homesickness. This is compounded by academic, social, cultural, and financial pressures – all potentially resulting in excessive stress, anxiety, and depression. There is often a conflict between their emotional struggles and the expectation that they should feel privileged and lucky to have the opportunity to study abroad.

Failure to Access Mental Health Services

Though at increased risk for psychological problems, many international students do not seek mental health services. This is often due to stigma, as mental health concerns can be incongruent with their cultural norms and expectations. In addition, students may be unaware of mental health services provided on campus or not feel comfortable discussing their emotions or “complaining.”

Before you prepare to travel, it is important you understand that these are some of the things international students face. Make up your mind to overcome them.

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