The success of your experience depends upon your own efforts to acclimate yourself to living and studying in a foreign culture. You will have moments of exhilaration and moments of real frustration. Gradually, as you come to terms with the culture, the frustrations will become fewer and fewer.
One of the greatest benefits of living in a foreign country is an added depth of appreciation and understanding of U.S. culture. The insights you will gain into yourself and your native culture will be of immeasurable value.
In adjusting to your study abroad environment, you will have to deal with real as well as perceived cultural differences. Keep in mind that people of other cultures are just as adept at stereotyping the U.S. American as we are at stereotyping them - and the results are not always complimentary. While a stereotype might have some truth, it is obvious when we consider individual differences that not every U.S. American fits a particular description. Keep in mind that this same thing is true about your hosts vis-à-vis your own preconceptions. Remember that you are an ambassador from UM-Flint, the United States, and/or your home country.
Short Term Strategies for Intercultural Learning
Become more familiar with the local language Independent study in the local language should facilitate your transition. Continue your study of the foreign language before and throughout your program. Rent and watch foreign films to become accustomed to the rhythm and sounds of the language of your new home. Do not become so concerned with the grammar and technicalities of a language that you are afraid to speak once you are abroad. If your language level permits, read a local newspaper to get a sense of the culture. Carry a mini-dictionary for emergencies and try to learn a few new phrases and words every day.
Know your own country You will find that people around the world often know far more about the United States and its policies than you do. Whether or not you are familiar with current events, particularly foreign policy, expect to be asked about your opinions and to hear the opinions of others. Start preparing now by reading newspapers and news magazines.
Examine your motives for going Although you will certainly do some traveling while you're abroad, remember that your program is not an extended vacation. Set realistic academic goals, particularly if you are studying in another language.
Recognize the value of culture shock Culture shock is a way of sensitizing you to another culture at a level that goes beyond the intellectual and the rational. Just as an athlete cannot get in shape without going through the uncomfortable conditioning stage, so you cannot fully appreciate the cultural differences that exist without first going through the uncomfortable stages of psychological adjustment.
Talk to someone if you have a serious problem The program director, the trip leader, and staff both on site and back home on your UM-Flint campus are there to help students with the adjustment period. They frequently have first-hand experience with adjustment abroad and can be real friends in times of need. Share smaller problems with other students since they are going through the same process and can provide a day-to-day support group. For more serious problems UM-Flint staff, faculty, and trip leaders will be able to counsel you about where to go for additional help. Above all, do not just keep problems to yourself.
Keep your sense of humor Almost all returned study abroad students have wonderful stories about how much fun they had during their time abroad. If you have a terrible, frustrating day (or week) abroad, remember that it will pass.
Write a journal One of the best ways to deal with cultural adjustments and to reflect thoughtfully on the differences between the U.S. and the other cultures is to write regularly in a journal. As you write, you'll think your way out of the negative reactions that may result from your unfamiliarity with language and cultural behavior. Journaling can help you to make meaningful comparisons between your own culture and the host country.
Adjustment for Women
In certain locations and programs women may have a difficult time adjusting to attitudes they encounter abroad, both in public and private interactions between men and women. Some men openly demonstrate their appraisal of women in ways that many women raised in the U.S. find offensive. It is not uncommon to be honked at, stared at, verbally and loudly approved of, and, in general, to be actively noticed simply for being a woman, and in particular, a U.S. American woman. Sometimes the attention can be flattering. Soon, it may become very annoying and potentially even angering. Local women, who often get the same sort of treatment, have learned through their culture how to ignore the attention. Many U.S. students find that difficult.
Female travelers are more likely to encounter harassment such as unwanted sexual gestures, physical contact, or statements that are offensive or humiliating. Uncomfortable situations such as these may be avoided by taking the following precautions:
Dress conservatively; while short skirts and tank tops may be comfortable, they may encourage unwanted attention.
Avoid walking alone late at night or in questionable neighborhoods.
Do not agree to meet, in a non-public place, with a person whom you do not know.
Be aware that some men from other cultures tend to mistake the friendliness of U.S. American women for romantic interest.
If, after acknowledging cultural differences, you still feel uncomfortable with what you interpret as sexual harassment, you should talk with your trip leader or other on-site personnel. This conversation may provide you with some coping skills and a possible action plan to avoid future encounters. It may also help you gain a different perspective by understanding the local customs and attitudes. It is, after all, possible that the behaviors you feel uncomfortable with are behaviors that are also considered unacceptable in the host culture.
Dating and Sex
It is important to note that different cultures have different norms in regard to gender roles and behavior. Women and men should both be aware that the ways people interact vary widely by region and country, and issues around dating and sexuality can be particularly difficult in a cross-cultural setting. Such things as eye contact, style of dress, and body language can send very different messages depending on the region and culture. Personal space, the space you consider appropriate between acquaintances when talking or interacting, varies widely from culture to culture. In the U.K. people expect you to keep a greater distance from them during a conversation than in Italy, for example. Observing interpersonal interactions within a culture can be useful in helping you choose the way you communicate verbally and non-verbally with others in that country.
If you choose to be sexually active, be sure to protect yourself and your partner against unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, and misunderstanding about the meaning of the relationship. Take a supply of condoms with you since conditions of availability and purchase may be limited, and conditions of manufacture and storage may be questionable. Be responsible if using alcohol or other drugs because they can affect your behavior and ability to make decisions.
