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CULTURE SHOCK
As an international student, you will be experiencing
many different changes when entering college. There
are usually four phases:

1. HONEYMOON
Im having a wonderful time; This place is
amazing!

2. FRUSTRATION/ ANXIETY
Everything is so different; I dont understand;
What are you even saying?; Everything is weird; I
want to go home!

3. NEGOTIATION/ ADJUSTMENT
Things are different, but different isnt bad; I
think Im getting used to this and I love the food;
I can make this work.

4. ACCEPTANCE
I love it here! I cant believe I wanted to leave.

Symptoms of culture shock include:

Feeling very angry over minor inconveniences

Irritability

Withdrawal from people who are different from

you

Extreme homesickness

Sudden intense feeling of loyalty to own culture

Overeating or loss of appetite

Boredom

A need for excessive sleep

Headaches

Upset stomach

Exaggerated cleanliness

Depression

Loss of ability to work or study effectively

Unexplainable crying

Marital or relationship stress

Some cultural differences you may experience due to

change in customs are:

Some of the following may help ease the stress from

culture shock:

Friendship: Most people you will come in contact with will

be friendly. They will talk about current events, politics,
hobbies, and sports. However, personal matters are often
not spoken about, such as financial or family problems.

1. Keep Physically Active. Work out at the RAC, swim at

the Aquatic Center, join a team, or just go for a run.
Staying active will help you manage stress more
effectively and stay healthy.

Measurement: The United States uses an imperial unit of

measurement instead of the metric system. Americans use
pounds (lbs) instead of kilograms (kg); miles instead of
kilometers; and Fahrenheit instead of Celsius. Is 30 degrees
Fahrenheit hot or cold? Who knows? Ask an American!

Greetings: When Americans greet each other, whether male

or female, a handshake is generally the custom. Personal
space is very important to Americans. Most Americans stand
at least one arms length apart when talking.

Schedules: Americans place a high priority on being

punctual. The phrase time is money is very common. You
will be expected to be on time to events that have specific
starting times, such as class, dinner arrangements,
appointments, etc.

Professors: The relationship between student and

professor may seem more open or informal. Most professors
want their students to talk directly to them about any
questions they have, in order to resolve them quickly.

2. Make American Friends. By having friends you can talk

to, you are able to ask them questions about what you do
not understand.
3. Remember your goals. Always remember why you
decided to come here and what you hope to achieve.
4. Eat healthy. Eating a balanced diet will help you stay
healthy and full of energy. Northern Virginia has a
variety of international markets and restaurants where
you may find familiar foods to help comfort you.
5. Get Involved. Talk with your Resident Assistant (RA), or
other Americans about campus activities, religious
services, or volunteer opportunities to help you become
a member of the Mason community. Contact your
Student Engagement Coordinator for more information.
6. Work on your English. This is an extremely important
concept. Americans use a lot of slang terms and phrases
that you may not understand. It is much easier to
understand a culture when you can understand the
language being used.
7. Introduce Yourself to Other International Students.
Studying at GMU is not only a good way to meet
Americans, but also other international students. By
talking to them, you may be able to find out ways they
are coping with problems you may also be experiencing.
8. BE PATIENT. About 37% of international students
experience culture shock in some way while they are
here. It will pass. Just give yourself time to get over it.

CONTACTS & RESOURCES:

Kevin Yurinich | Student Engagement Coordinator | kyurinc@gmu.edu
Center for Psychological Services | SUB 1 | 703-993-1370
Wellness, Alcohol, Violence Education and Services | SUB 1 | 703-993-9999