As you prepare to come and study in the united states, you ask yourself what many other new international students ask..."What is it like living in the United States?"

Every international student has a unique experience in the United States.  However, it is quite common for international students to experience some form of "culture shock". 

“Culture Shock” is experienced by anyone who leaves a familiar place and moves to an unfamiliar one with a culture different from their own.  “Culture Shock” is often accompanied with many feelings including but not limited to disorientation, confusion, homesickness, fatigue, uncertainty and anger.  Each person experiences “culture shock” in his/her own unique personal way and learns to adjust to life in his/her new environment.

"Adjusting to life in the United States and minimizing the "culture shock" go hand-in-hand.  Both revolve heavily around creating and fostering relationships.  An important step for a student to remedy "culture shock" is to be open-minded about their new environment"

Adham Alaily

Graduate International Student

"The type of culture shock I experienced had a lot to do with realizing that I too held a lot of untrue stereotypes of Americans.  When I came to the U.S. I thought I knew all about Americans and their way of life; I was startled to discover that there is no accurate way to define what is "American" ".

Amy Raisbeck

Undergraduate International Student

"Technological and mobile infrastructures have rapidly transformed our world from various divided continents into a global village.  This astonishing change has great implications for the people of this globe:  we now need to learn and adopt a different set of survival skills.  Effective communication and harmonious interaction in our global community depend vastly on our ability to cope with cultural differences.

Lu Ling Li

Undergraduate International Student

So what can you do to decrease the effects of "culture shock"? 

• Realize that you are not alone...everyone who travels abroad experiences some form of "culture shock".        

• Keep busy and active...a lack of things to do can contribute to your feelings of boredom.

• Get involved!  Find out how you can join a student organization, meet new people and participate in ISO cultural  / social programs.

• Laughter is the best medicine...Develop a sense of humor and learn to laugh at yourself.

• BE PATIENT...Your "culture shock" will not be gone overnight.  Recognizing that there are several stages to "culture shock" and that it is not permanent will help you through your adjustment to living and studying in a new environment.

If you would like to talk to an ISO advisor regarding your adjustment to living and studying in the United States, please call 312-362-8376.

Updated 08.2005