Culture shock

Malaysian students constitute one of the fastest growing international student groups studying
abroad in the last 2 decades. Living in the foreign country can be challenging and exhilarating
experience. Seeing a different culture and values, experiencing a new way of life, meeting new
people and seeing new places can also be overwhelmed. There are certain differences between
your country and the foreign country that might surprise you and sometimes even can cause
problems. One of the problem that Malaysian students face when they are studying abroad is
culture shock. Culture shock is defined as a state of bewilderment and distress experienced by
an individual who is suddenly exposed to a new, strange, or foreign social and cultural
environment. The degree to how much culture shock you may face depends on the reason, the
length for your visit and how open-minded you can remain throughout your study abroad
experience. There are four main stages of culture stress. The first stages is called the
‘honeymoon stage’. The first time arriving at the new place, students will likely to get caught up
with all the wonderful things the place has to offer. It is a set apart by a sense of euphoria and
elation. Next up is the ‘negotiation stage’ the euphoria will lessen. Students will normally get
lost at this stages as they are overwhelmed with all the things they have to adjust to and often
they can feel irritated or constrained to make things go ‘your way’. The third stages is the
‘adjustment stage’ when they will slowly begin to feel more comfortable with their surroundings.
Finally, the fourth stages that is the ‘mastery stage’. It is marked with the feeling of being at their
home. The students are reaching a high level of comfort. Students who can make it to this last
stage will find that the changes has now become a good experience for them after all. They will
still miss their home but they can overcome it as they are busy with the new life routine.
However, there are some strategies and tips for Malaysian students to face this culture stress.
Students can explore and learn as much as they can about the country they are going to study.
Essentially, there are international officers in your colleges. Seek for their advice about anything
you needed to know. Students can also find a healthy distraction from all the negative feeling
towards their host culture for example like cooking your local dish at home. Making a local
friend can also help the students in learning the new culture as the local people knows better.