Culture Shock can be defined as “an emotional reaction that follows from not being able to understand, control, and predict another’s behavior.”  It can also be defined as the expected confrontation with the unfamiliar.  Although a culture can be shocking at times, the reaction to differences is usually more subtle because it is the accumulation of many experiences in a new culture that forms our opinions.  For this reason, many experts in this field prefer the term “culture fatigue”.

Adjustments

The success of your experience depends upon your own efforts to acclimate yourself to living and studying in a foreign culture.  You will have moments of exhilaration and moments of real frustration.  Gradually, as you come to terms with the culture, the frustrations will become fewer and fewer.  One of the greatest benefits of living in a foreign country is an added depth of appreciation and understanding of U.S. culture.  The insights into yourself will be of immeasurable value.

In adjusting to your study abroad environment, you will have to deal with real as well as perceived cultural differences.  Keep in mind that people of other cultures are just as adept at stereotyping the Americans, as we are at stereotyping them – and the results are not always complimentary.  The following, for example, are a few of the qualities (some positive, some negative) that others frequently associate with the “typical” U. S. American.