Transcript Coping with Culture Shock (Handout)

presented by
Kim Hays and Gail Trimpe Morrow
Student Counseling Services
Overview

 About Culture Shock
 U.S. Culture Tips / Observations
 Resources at Student Counseling
Services
 Questions you hope we address?
What is Culture Shock

Feeling of disorientation experienced when
you are exposed to an unfamiliar culture,
way of life or attitudes.
Symptoms may include:
 Feeling Disoriented
 Confused or Anxious
 Sleep Difficulties
 Digestive Difficulties
What is Culture Shock

 Stress from not knowing what to
expect
Developing a new perspective
 On yourself
 On others
 On the environment
Signs of Culture shock

 Stress that cues you rely on to guide your
behavior are gone!
 Your values are not valued by others
 Feelings of anxiety, depression, or hostility
 “Idealizing” how things were back home
Unfolding in Stages

Honeymoon
Overwhelmed
Reintegration
Balancing
Increasing Comfort
Unfolding in Stages

Honeymoon– curious and excited to learn
more
 Overwhelmed – Missing familiar cues to guide
behavior. Feeling inadequate, blaming self
 Reintegration - Begin picking up the new
cues! Feeling annoyed with new culture
Unfolding in Stages

Balancing - Beginning to see both the good and
bad in both your home culture and your new
culture
Increasing Comfort - Feeling comfortable and
fluent in both cultures
Coping

Be patient with
yourself
Reach out to others
in the environment
Learn some things
about the culture:
HANDOUT
Use Student
Counseling Services
Student Counseling Services

Phone: 309-438-3655

 Free, Confidential
 Ask for an INITIAL
APPOINTMENT
 Some paperwork,
then meet with a
counselor.
 Group Therapy
 Individual
Counseling
 Brief Structured
groups for
Meditation, Anxiety,
Depression
Student Counseling Services
counseling.illinoisstate.edu/outreach/voices.shtml
