Culture Shock

"Culture shock refers to the feeling when one experiences a cultural environment that is different than what they are used to "(Canadian Student Center, n.d.). 

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"Though you may have already been in Canada for months, the shock of being here has taken time to manifest itself. Don’t worry; it happens to the best of us. If we spend extended periods of time in a culture that is different from our own we will almost always experience culture shock. It happens when our own culturally determined behaviours, some of which we may not even be aware of, don’t get us the results we expect; this produces a sense of psychological disorientation. But culture shock does not occur as immediately, as the term might suggest. No one single event or even a series of events will result in this condition. It takes time" (Canadian Student Center, n.d.). 

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"When you arrived in Canada, you brought your own cultural touchstones that reflect the way you see things, think and solve problems. Since then, you have inevitably encountered different ways of doing, perceiving or valuing things which don’t quite match with the way you have become accustomed to seeing the world. Things appear less predictable to you. Rules of behaviour seem unclear"(Canadian Student Center, n.d.). 

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"More discomforting, perhaps, is when your own core beliefs and values are questioned or challenged. The shock you feel is compounded by the fact that you not only have to cope within a social context but also function with maximum skill at an academic level within a limited period of time. It’s enough to make you panic, and some people do" (Canadian Student Center, n.d.). 

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"Experiencing culture shock is completely normal. You have traveled a long way to arrive in Canada, leaving behind not only family and friends but also the culture you have grown up with. Culture shock is particularly common in the early part of your Canadian journey, and overtime you will come to be more comfortable with your life in Canada"(Canadian Student Center, n.d.). 

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"Citizenship and Immigration Canada offers a helpful outline of the common stages of culture shock that you may experience while studying in Canada. Whenever you are experiencing culture shock try to remember that a significant portion of the people you meet on the street every day and in your classes have at some point in their recent lives felt the same way. More commonly, though, culture shock manifests itself in less dramatic ways" (Canadian Student Center, n.d.). 

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You may be experiencing culture shock if you experience one or more of the following:

• "You feel angry, uncomfortable, confused, frustrated or irritable and lose your sense of humour" (Canadian Student Center, n.d.). 

• "You withdraw and spend excessive amounts of time alone, only with people of your own culture or other foreigners, and avoid contact with the local people"(Canadian Student Center, n.d.). 

• "You develop negative feelings about the people and culture of the host country" (Canadian Student Center, n.d.). 

• "You eat and drink compulsively or need an excessive amount of sleep" (Canadian Student Center, n.d.). 

• You are bored, fatigued and unable to concentrate or work effectively" (Canadian Student Center, n.d.). 

What Can You Do?​

• "Admit frankly that these impacts exist. It is not a sign of weakness to admit that you feel uncomfortable, tense or confused"  (Canadian Student Center, n.d.). 

• "Learn the rules of living in your host country. Try to understand how and why the local people act the way they do. Their behaviour and customs, although they may be different from your own, are neither better nor worse than what you are used to" (Canadian Student Center, n.d.). 

• "Get involved in some aspect of the new culture. Whether you study art or music, or learn a new sport or martial art, being an interested student will make a world of difference" (Canadian Student Center, n.d.). 

• "Take time to learn the language. It always helps to understand as much as possible of what people are saying. They will appreciate your effort to communicate with them in their language, even if it is just a few simple phrases, and it will make your daily life much easier" (Canadian Student Center, n.d.). 

• "Take care of yourself. Eat well, exercise and take the time to sleep. Limit your alcohol consumption to moderate amounts"

• "Travel. Take the time to be a tourist and explore the country’s sights" (Canadian Student Center, n.d.). 

• "Make friends and develop relationships. Getting to know local people will help you overcome cultural differences and understand the country" "It will also show you how to be more sensitive to cultural norms and expectations" (Canadian Student Center, n.d.). 

• "Maintain contact with friends and family back home. Writing home about your experiences and problems can help you sort through them. It is also a good idea to keep a journal of your feelings and thoughts" (Canadian Student Center, n.d.). 

• "Do something that reminds you of home. Listening to your favourite music or practising a familiar hobby can boost your spirits when you are feeling homesick"  (Canadian Student Center, n.d.). 

• "Avoid idealizing life back home. Try to make the most of your stay and consciously adopt an open mind"

 (Canadian Student Center, n.d.). 

"While you cannot avoid experiencing a very human reaction, you can manage the effects of culture shock. Most importantly, use the support services available to you at your school, college or university. Talk with your International Student Adviser (ISA), teachers and professors, other counselors and administrators. Don’t feel that it’s not important enough to discuss with them, and don’t be embarrassed about seeking help. With timely and caring advice, you will soon be ready to enjoy your Canadian experience completely!"(Canadian Student Center, n.d.).