Preparing for Culture Shock

Many students are incorporating a period of study overseas as part of their course. Many students go abroad as part of an exchange program, some take travel study courses, and others participate in international internships.

Students staying abroad for longer periods are able to get closer to their visiting culture than short term vacationers. Usually there are no problems with this but these circumstances can expose students to additional stressors besides regular college workload.

Students living in a new culture may be cut off from regular supports such as family and friends and this can be accentuated especially when the student doesn t speak the local language very well.

Such stress is normal during a period of adjustment to new people, new roles and new responcibilities but if stress builds up too quickly too much this can lead to problems as the traveler does not fit in. This Cultureshock may occur after several stages. Initially travelers expierence a “honeymoon phase” where everything is new and wonderful about their new environment. Unfortunately when setbacks and frustrations gradually evolve growing anxiety leads to cynism and disenchantment with their new environment.

If uncorrected this may lead to a failure for the student to perform in their new setting leading to a premature return home something unexpected and not originally planned for.

Upon return some people still experience problems on reexposure to their home original lifestyle. Feelings of guilt especially about their relative luxury and affluence can make students feel that they don't belong in either world and that no one else understands what they are going through.

Fortunately, many others also have experienced these feelings and resources exist to assist students so that they will have a rich and valuable overseas experience and have minimal problems.

The International Centre for Students at the University of Manitoba provides a Pre-Departure Orientation to prepare them for the challenges and adventures ahead.

This year's Pre-Departure Orientation, on March 31 st , will cover information such as basic travel tips, travel safety, health insurance, travel health, cultural adjustment and banking overseas. Industry professionals take part in the orientation to provide the most accurate and up to date information. Staff from Travel Cuts, the Bank of Montreal and Student Guard Insurance will all participate in the upcoming orientation. I will be contributing some medical information as well.

This orientation is geared towards students who will be spending a significant time abroad; it is also open to members of the community who wish to be better prepared for their travels. The cost for the Pre-Departure Orientation is $20.00 which includes lunch and a copy of the Pre-Departure Handbook. Contact the International Centre for Students at 474-8501 for more details or to register for the event.