Adjusting to a New Culture

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Adjusting to a New Culture

• UMass Dartmouth
• International Student Orientation
• August 29, 2007

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What is Culture?

• The accepted behavior of a given people.
• How we are raised to view and live our lives.
• A cultural group has a common understanding of
  how to think, feel, believe, and act.
• It is cognitive and abstract, for example ethics,
  values and religion.
• You can sense it physically, for example in the
  foods eaten, verbal language, and body language.
• Culture tells us who we are and gives us
  attitudes about them or people different from
  us.

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How Cultures Evolved

• Humans create culture.
• Many different cultures have evolved over the
  centuries, and frequently in isolation.
• Each cultural group found ways to respond to
  their needs for

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Food Clothing Shelter Safety Family
Organization Social Organization Government Art
s and Crafts Knowledge Science Religions
It is inevitable that different groups of humans
would solve these problems differently. There
are no absolutely right solutions to the way
these problems were solved each culture. One
culture is not right or wrong when compared.
One culture is unique from another.
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Reactions to a new culture
Different people respond to a new culture with
varying levels of comfort. The greater the
differences between the culture of origin - your
home, and the new culture - student life at UMass
Dartmouth, the greater the energy you will need
to become comfortable. Even the five senses
sense the differences Everything might smell,
sound, taste, look and feel different! This is
known as..
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CULTURE SHOCK
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What is Culture Shock?

• Culture Shock is a stressful period of
  adjustment that occurs when a person from one
  culture stays in another culture for an extended
  period of time.

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What are some other areas of possible differences
in attitudes between cultures?
Race Age Gender Language Life
experiences Nationality/Region Learning
styles Protocol/Manners Sexual
Preferences Professions Holidays
Communication Organizations Physical Ability
Fashion
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Four Stages of Culture Shock

• Initial Excitement
• 2. Irritation and Hostility
• Homesickness
• Boredom
• Withdrawal-such as excessive hours sleeping
• Unexplained sadness
• Change in eating habits or personal hygiene
• Irritability
• Hostility
• Increase in physical illness or complaints such
  as headache or sick stomach

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Four Stages of Culture Shock

• 3. Gradual adjustment
• 4. Adaptation
• Adaptation to a new culture DOES NOT mean you
  have lost or abandoned your own. It does mean
  that you have learned about another culture!

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Culture Shock occurs when the individual is
unsure of the host cultures expectations. The
individual is often anxious worrying if they are
behaving correctly or speaking in an appropriate
manner. An example might be trying to play a
game and everyone knows the rules for the game
except you. The purpose of International Student
Orientation and the goal of the International
Student Center is to help you become more
familiar with the game and some of the rules.
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Culture Shock occurs when an individual is in an
unfamiliar environment. The cultural cues and
expected behavior are not familiar. The subtle
differences of the host culture are not known, or
familiar, or understood. To someone not familiar
with the subtle differences, only sees the with
outward actions. These outwards actions may be
misunderstood.
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Culture Shock occurs when individuals in the host
culture respond in ways that are unfamiliar to
you. Everyone develops stereotypes. Some of you
may think ALL people in the US are the same,
exhibiting certain behaviors, or having certain
beliefs or values. However you also need to keep
in mind that some people in the US might think
that ALL people from your country or culture or
belief system are the same. IT IS IMPORTANT to
see the person first, as a representatives of
their culture second.
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Some useful information about the US
Culture Social People in the US may ask many
questions about you and your culture. It is a
sign of interest in you and who you are. This is
the way most Americans learn about each other.The
residents of the US have come from many cultures,
countries,races, religions so you may experience
a wide variety of people and customs. In general
Americans can be very friendly especially at
social gatherings. Life for those students living
on campus is very casual and socializing happens
frequently and often informally. If you are
invited to someones home then it is best to set
a time and date to visit, or call before you
visit. It is good to let your host know if you
specific food or beverage restrictions if you
have invited for a meal.
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Time Each culture has its own attitude toward
time. In general most Americans are serious about
punctuality. You will find most classes will
begin on time. When a due date for a paper or
project is assigned, most professors will expect
it to be turned in on the time and date set. In
general most public transportation runs on time.
It is best to arrive a little early. The train or
bus will leave on schedule and you will have
missed your ride. In social situations you
should plan to arrive as close to the time set.
It will be awkward if you arrive before your host
is prepared for your visit or considered rude if
you are very late.
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Time continued There are some exceptions. Most
American doctors offices may not be on time.
This is due to medical emergencies or other
unforeseen circumstances. It is IMPORTANT that
you arrive on time for any appointment you make.
If you are late, you may have to reschedule the
appointment. In any situation, if you are
detained it is best to call and let someone know
that you will be late. Personal Hygiene Personal
hygiene items are BIG business in the US.
Americans take it very seriously. Most Americans
shower or bathe daily. In general, they are
attentive to their appearance, grooming and
smelling good! However personal fragrances should
be subtle not overpowering. The use of cosmetics
for face and hair among women is very popular but
not required.
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Body Art It is currently fashionable among both
men and women particularly in college
populations, to have tattoos on their skin or
multiple body piercing. Some people choose to put
unusual color in their hair, or wear alternative
clothing. It is considered a sign of personal
expression by many people. Alcoholic
Beverages You must be at least 21 years of age to
purchase, drink or possess any alcoholic
beverage, including beer or wine. You will be
asked for picture identification with proof of
your birth date if you wish to purchase any
alcoholic beverages. There are regulations on
campus,which you are expected to know, regarding
the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
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Cigarettes and other tobacco products Smoking of
tobacco in any form has become increasingly
unpopular and expensive in the US. Many public
and government institutions including UMass
Dartmouth have banned smoking from most buildings
except in designated areas. Please be sure that
you are clear where you may and may not smoke on
campus. If you are invited to someones home be
sure to check and see how your host feels about
your smoking. It is not uncommon for people to
be asked to step outside to have a cigarette.
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Gender and Appropriate Behavior Personal and
Cultural attitudes about appropriate behavior
between men and women can often be problematic
for new international students. Please know
that there are a number of resources on campus
that will assist you in any adjustments you may
have in this area. There are more public
resources or you can arrange to speak to
confidence.
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Classroom Cultural Differences

• US Culture
• Students in the US are far more relaxed and do
  not behave as internationals would expect.
• Expected to think critically about course content
  and share perspectives with the teacher.
• Teacher and student both direct the learning
  process.

• Abroad
• A greater amount of respect and attention is paid
  to the teachers.
• Expected to take notes and memorize content and
  demonstrate memorization on assignments.
• The teacher directs the learning process.

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The 2006-2007 Student Handbook is on-line
only! http//www.umassd.edu/studenthandbook Be
advised! This year the Student Handbook, which
is an official notification of UMD policies,
rules, regulations, and standards of conduct, is
only available on-line. Students are responsible
for knowing the information contained in the
Handbook. UMass Dartmouth reserves the right to
change or update any information, policies,
rules, regulations, and standards of conduct
within the Handbook. If changes are made to this
information, students may be notified via the
following methods -Advertisement in The
Torch-Campus-wide "UMD Notify"-Updates on Student
Handbook web site
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Any Questions?

• Please contact the International Student
  Center with any questions or if you need
  information.
• In the US culture it is considered appropriate
  to ask questions.
• We hope to assist you in having a wonderful
  experience!