Coping with Culture Shock

presented by Kim Hays and Gail Trimpe Morrow

Student Counseling Services

About Culture Shock U.S. Culture Tips / Observations Resources at Student Counseling

Services Questions you hope we address?

Overview

Feeling of disorientation experienced

when you are exposed to an unfamiliar culture, way of life or attitudes.

Symptoms may include: Feeling Disoriented Confused or Anxious Sleep Difficulties Digestive Difficulties

What is Culture Shock

Stress from not knowing what to

expect Developing a new perspective

On yourself On others On the environment

What is Culture Shock

Stress that cues you rely on to guide

your behavior are gone!

Your values are not valued by others

Feelings of anxiety, depression, or hostility

“Idealizing” how things were back home

Signs of Culture shock

Honeymoon Overwhelmed Reintegration Balancing Increasing Comfort

Unfolding in Stages

Honeymoon– curious and excited to

learn more

Overwhelmed – Missing familiar cues to guide behavior. Feeling inadequate, blaming self

Reintegration - Begin picking up the new cues! Feeling annoyed with new culture

Unfolding in Stages

Balancing - Beginning to see both the

good and bad in both your home culture and your new culture

Increasing Comfort - Feeling comfortable and fluent in both cultures

Unfolding in Stages

Coping

Be patient with yourself

Learn some things about the culture:

HANDOUT

Reach out to others in the environment

Use Student Counseling Services

Student Counseling Services

Phone: 309-438-3655

Free, Confidential

Ask for an INITIAL APPOINTMENT

Some paperwork, then meet with a counselor.

Group Therapy

Individual Counseling

Brief Structured groups for Meditation, Anxiety, Depression

Student Counseling Servicescounseling.illinoisstate.edu/outreach/voices.s

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