Relish the Good Stuff

THE GOOD STUFF

Fitting In

As we discussed on the other page, culture shock can be an unpleasant experience, but being prepared can be your best defense.

You are going to want to stereotype people. Because new experiences and cultural practices are barraging you, the temptation will be to put them into neat boxes for sanity's sake. The tendency as you try to simplify the experience is to stereotype. Recognize and move beyond this tendency by carefully learning from what is going on around you. Talk with and listen to the people around you so that you build relationships. This will inevitably help you to avoid stereotypes because it is much harder to stereotype an individual that you have a relationship with than one who you barely know and who is part of a mass of people acting in unfamiliar ways.

At the same time, recognize that people are probably stereotyping you. Those who have never spent time in America probably have a preconceived vision of Americans based on the movies that Hollywood produces: an image most of us would agree is largely inaccurate. However, being aware that this will happen can help you meet the challenges of dispelling stereotypes. Just remember to keep your sense of humor when some people "naturally" assume you live the idyllic, decadent lifestyle of a filthy rich, obnoxious American. (After that all the other stereotypes should be manageable!)

Observing those around you and learning the local behavior, dress, customs etc. will go a long way toward helping you fit into the new culture. While conformity is not everything, it can definitely be helpful to understand what is considered typical behavior in a given culture and to conform your own actions accordingly. There are many little things such as personal space that can vary widely from culture to culture. You may either be uncomfortable or be making others uncomfortable if you are not aware of differences like these.

Learning/Embracing Local Customs

The old truism, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" has never been so applicable as with studying abroad.

And of course, one of the best ways of figuring out what "Romans" do is to talk to them. Talking to your host family, friends at university, advisers, etc. can begin to help you learn more about the new country in which you are living. They can help explain the conventions like personal space, the local holidays and customary observances, the traditional clothing that people may wear, and a multitude of other cultural nuances.

Studying ahead of time to learn some of the big cultural differences may help you to fit in and feel comfortable more quickly. While most of those around you will be happy to help, they may occasionally have trouble understanding your point of view in order to help you get past your confusion. Having a basic understanding of different cultural practices will not only help you avoid embarrassing blunders straightaway, but will also help you to learn some of the more in-depth aspects of the new culture more quickly and efficiently.

Another major avenue for learning about the new culture is to simply open your eyes and use your head. You are surrounded, immersed in a different way of life. Therefore, if you just watch and learn, that should go a long way toward gaining a new understanding.

Throughout the process, it is vital that you remain open-minded! Diversity is wonderful. However, that can be difficult to remember when something is unfamiliar and therefore intimidating, irritating, or otherwise upsetting. If you try to remember that the people around you have grown up with a different, sometimes very different, perspective on life, and try to see life from that perspective, you may find that many things that would never make sense from an American viewpoint make a great deal of sense from a different worldview.

Being "The American" Abroad

Just as you will be learning much about the culture from your new friends, they also will be learning about the United States from you. You should not be surprised if curious friends ask a range of questions about history, politics, culture, and even day-to-day attitudes in the United States. When America hits the news for doing something you will probably be asked not only what you personally think of what has happened, but what you as 'the American' feel about your country's actions and how Americans as a whole feel. It can be quite an intimidating position to have to speak for and represent an entire country through your words, actions, and attitudes. This, however, is yet another part of the growth process that is vital to a vibrant study abroad experience.

Many students on returning home say they wished they had studied up on some of the politics and history of the country so they would have been better prepared to answer questions. If you know your own grasp of some of the basics have weakened with time, you may want to review a bit before leaving. Once again, just keep a sense of humor and perspective if asked questions you find less than polite or if people express opinions about the United States that are less than favorable.

Learning and adjusting to all these foreign customs and situations may seem overwhelming, but that is where the real meat of a study abroad experience can be found, and where you will gain the biggest advantage. The most lasting impressions and important lessons from your experience abroad may or may not be found in the classroom, but they will surely benefit you throughout your life no matter the source.

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