After the excitement of your first days on your new US campus begins to wear off, you may start to feel more homesick. When you know your home country is a whole country or ocean away, it’s hard not to feel alone. It’s during these periods that the campus community, counseling offices, and other university resources can be of greatest assistance. The Center for International Education at Loyola University New Orleans outlines the following steps to help international students adjust to their life in a new culture.
1. Get involved in extracurriculars
Actively participate in the life of your new community and its people. Acknowledge that you must take some risks to develop your life in the United States. You will have to make a conscious effort to make friends and explore new things. The easiest way to get involved on campus is through a friend you’ve already made or a classmate who is already engaged in an activity that interests you. It’s a great bonding experience to explore your school, town, or campus activities with a new friend. Rewarding yourself for your courage and stepping outside your comfort zone is important, but be realistic about your time and responsibilities.
2. Take care of yourself
Throughout this period of cultural adaptation, take good care of yourself. Take special notice of things you enjoy about living in the host culture, but also read books or watch videos in your home language for comfort; exercise and get plenty of rest; eat both good and healthy food; and do things you enjoy with friends. It sounds like a lot, but these are all key to a balanced and happy life at university. It’s important to maintain confidence in yourself as you face new challenges and situations. A solid internal and external support system of care is a good foundation for self-confidence.
Related: College Students' Quick Guide to Health: Taking Care of Your Mind
3. Continue to learn about US culture
You’ll likely have preconceived notions about life in the US before arriving on campus. But as you spend more time in the United States, you’ll become more skilled at recognizing when differences are cultural and not personal, and the things you might have falsely assumed about US students. You will learn to predict how and when your cultural values and American behaviors are likely to conflict, and you will be prepared to adjust and avoid these challenges. On the other hand, also don’t be afraid to speak up and help your peers learn more about your culture and dispel any biases they may unintentionally hold.
4. Look into counseling
Although it might be uncommon abroad, it’s increasingly common for people in the States to seek professional help when they going through transition or feeling strong emotions, and the process is completely confidential. Culture shock is often described on a curve—there will be ups and downs like a roller coaster, times of excitement and a love of the new culture, and then times of sadness and frustration. Talking with someone about these feelings can help in the transition. Utilize on-campus resources to get mental health counseling, stress management classes, academic support, and more.
5. Remember to utilize technology
Just as you are missing your friends and family, they are also missing you! In today’s technology age, the ability to stay connected is just a click away. Keep in touch with friends and family from home by writing letters, texting, emailing, or calling and talking with them about your experiences in the States. Sharing your experiences is a great way to see that you are not alone on this adventure.
Related: How to Stay Connected to Your Home Country While in the US
Dealing with the culture shock of attending a US university is not going to be a universal experience for all international students, but there are a lot of commonalities to life overseas. With common issues, there are common solutions, so learn from the people who understand them best to make your experience the best it possibly can be.
Learn more about making life at US universities the best it can be with the advice in our International Students section.
