Cultural Adaptation Stages

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Honeymoon Stage

This is usually the first stage experienced after arrival to a new culture. In this stage, everything seems exciting and new. The focus is on the sense of success in being in a new culture; curiosity and interest in the novelty of the new surroundings; and an appreciation and anticipation of the opportunities to be found in the new culture. Most people feel energetic and enthusiastic during this stage.

Culture Shock Stage

In this stage, the primary focus is on the differences between one’s home culture and the new culture and the conflicts that arise due to these differences, including:having to use a foreign language

• Not being sure how to interact with people in authority
• Not having a clear idea of how to make friends with people from different cultures
• Not having a clear idea of how to date people from different cultures
• Not being understood when you express yourself in your usual way
• Finding that food and eating customs are different
• Finding that religious practices are different
• Finding large differences in the educational system
• Finding that some people in the new culture are impatient when you don’t understand things right away
• Finding that some people are prejudiced against others from different cultures

The conflicts may be with other people or internal – in terms of one’s own values, habits and preferences when contrasted with the norms and expectations of those from the new culture. Feelings that accompany the culture shock stage may include: confusion, anxiety, homesickness, anger, and the following:

• Feeling anxious
• Feeling homesick
• Feeling angry
• Feeling lonely
• Feeling helpless
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Feeling fearful for your safety
• Feeling unsure of yourself
• Feeling less competent
• Feeling you don't belong
• Feeling fearful of the unknown and unfamiliar
• Feeling confused about which values you wish to live by
• Feeling unsure about whether to stay in the U.S.A. or go back to your country of origin and how to raise and relate to your children in the new culture

Recovery Stage

This is usually the first stage experienced after arrival to a new culture. In this stage, everything seems exciting and new. The focus is on the sense of success in being in a new culture; curiosity and interest in the novelty of the new surroundings; and an appreciation and anticipation of the opportunities to be found in the new culture. Most people feel energetic and enthusiastic during this stage.

Adaptation Stage

This is usually the first stage experienced after arrival to a new culture. In this stage, everything seems exciting and new. The focus is on the sense of success in being in a new culture; curiosity and interest in the novelty of the new surroundings; and an appreciation and anticipation of the opportunities to be found in the new culture. Most people feel energetic and enthusiastic during this stage.

Reverse Culture Shock

This is usually the first stage experienced after arrival to a new culture. In this stage, everything seems exciting and new. The focus is on the sense of success in being in a new culture; curiosity and interest in the novelty of the new surroundings; and an appreciation and anticipation of the opportunities to be found in the new culture. Most people feel energetic and enthusiastic during this stage.

Tips for Successful Cultural Adaptation

Academic Skills

• Becoming familiar with expectations of the US academic system and culture can be very helpful in enhancing success as an international student
• Discuss the educational norms with other students, teaching assistants, and professors
• Get help in improving your reading and study skills if necessary
• Look over old exams and papers to see what is expected
• Keep in close contact with Teaching Assistants and Professors and let them know what your needs are. Ask them for suggestions, ideas and assistance

Social Skills

• Learning about and becoming familiar with the US culture and understanding the social customs here can help with smoother interactions with peers and teachers. This can be immensely helpful in the adaptation process
• Spend time listening and talking to fellow students and other people from the US
• Watch TV and read newspapers to obtain information about the local and national US culture
• Check with others if you are unsure about appropriate behavior, language use etc.
• Find someone who you feel comfortable with, who can help you understand the US culture better (e.g. a friend who is from the US, a senior international student who is further along in the adaptation process, various mentoring programs provided by academic departments and campus organizations.

Emotional Support

• Sometimes the lack of familiar support systems – family and friends – can result in feelings of stress and loneliness that can make the entire adaptation process feel burdensome. It is therefore a good idea to:
• Find people with whom you can share your feelings and experiences
• Develop a support network of people who understand your experiences
• Stay in contact with friends and family back home
• Balance work and recreation in your everyday life
• Seek professional support if needed – especially since the familiar support systems from home may not be available here