Achieving Success @ UWA : Help for International Students managing Cultural Transition & Adjustment

Achieving Success @ UWA

Help for International Students managing Cultural Transition & Adjustment SkillshopAndrew Duirs : Counselling, Student Support8/15/20111Skillshop - InfoAndrew DuirsPsychologistCounselling & Psychological Services, Student Support9-1045amPlease ask questions 8/15/20112INTRODUCTIONSWhere are you from?What faculty are you in?What do you do to relax?

Transition & AdjustmentThe process of moving from one culture, location, experience, place of work, lifestyle or state of health to another

The emotional, psychological and physical adaptation to new experiences, relationships and environments

A learning and developmental process

We are always transitioning and adjusting We have innate transition and adjustment abilities and skillsTransition and adjustment are developmental processesTransition & Adjustment - ExperiencesAge related developmentchild/teenager/adult/agingMoving houseRelationshipsinfatuation/serious bf-gf/marriageSchool to University Having childrenMoving jobsInterstate or international Holidays

Transition & Adjustment - PhasesHoneymoon periodCulture ShockTransition StressRecovery & AdjustmentAdaptation & EnjoymentU shaped curve with several different stagesHoneymoon periodEverything is new and excitingCulture shockThe novelty wears offNotice many cultural differencesDifferences appear when least expectedFrustration breeds Adjustment & depressionEvaluate the other cultureCompare and criticiseAdaption

8/15/20116What do you like about Perth so far?What are you enjoying about UWA?What interesting things and places have you discovered?What experiences might you find it difficult to explain to your parents or family back home?Have you done anything that might surprise, shock or concern your friends or family back home?How many potential gf or bf have you noticed around the place?

8/15/20117Phase 1- Honeymoon periodOptimisticI can handle anythingLife in Perth is going to be fantasticI am so luckyExcitementI cant wait to try the new things and experiences here Intriguethere are lots of similarities and differences between the new culture and my home cultureHigh motivationeverything is so interestingIm going to study English even more

BUT

Superficial tourist-like involvement in the host culture

Phase 2 - Culture Shock

Culture shock is the physical and emotional discomfort of being in a foreign country, another culture, an unfamiliar place, or all three. Culture shock occurs when many things in your new environment are unfamiliar the language, the telephone system, peoples mannerisms, etc. The adjustment to new surroundings can be stressful, frustrating, or just plain confusing.

8/15/201110Everyone experiences cultural shockIt is normal to feel overwhelmed and frustratedRemember: Cultural adjustment is a transition processCultural shock is a stage of cultural adjustment

Culture SHOCKMy way v Your wayFamiliar way of thinking & doing things (MY culture) Another way of thinking or doing things (THEIR culture)My way of thinking & doing (culture) v Another way of thinking or doing thing8/15/201112Greetings

Morality & Gender

Foods

Transport

Cultural focus

Cooking

When experiencing culture shock you will experience some sense of disorientation and be tempted to try and avoid everything and everyone that is different You will also be tempted to judge people and things that are different as bad or foolishThis is when Culture Shock can lead to Transition Stress BUT remember Transition Stress is also a phase of your transition and adjustment to your new environment

Cultural SHOCK Transition STRESS Novelty wears offNotice cultural differences everywhereMake critical comparisons with own cultureStereotypes and prejudices surface Differences appear when least expectedSmall differences feel like major catastrophesFrustration grows Withdrawal

Culture shock has been defined in different ways by many social scientists. In general, it is a term used to describe the anxiety and feelings (of surprise, disorientation, confusion, etc.) felt when people have to operate within an entirely different cultural or social environment. It grows out of the difficulties in assimilating the new culture, causing difficulty in knowing what is appropriate and what is not. Often this is combined with strong disgust (moral or aesthetical) about certain aspects of the new or different culture. Culture shock does not necessarily occur suddenly, but may gradually begin to affect a person's moods over time. The length of time a person experiences culture shock depends on how long they stay in the new environment as well as their level of self-awareness.

Transition Stress - Symptoms

Changes in eating & sleeping habits Acute homesickness - calling home more often Hostility towards host country/culture always criticalIrritability, sadness, depression Frequent frustration; being easily angered Self doubts; sense of failure Recurrent illness Withdrawing from friends or other people and/or activities

8/15/201122Transition Stress - ExtremeConstant complaints about the climate Continual excuses for staying indoors Utopian ideas concerning one's previous culture Continuous concern about the purity of water and food Fear of touching local people Refusal to learn the language Preoccupation about being robbed or cheated Preoccupation with returning home

Transition stress & studentsWithdrawal from lectures and tutorialsNot completing assignments or course workNot participating in social activitiesTaking up unhealthy stress relief strategiesAlcohol, drugsControlling, dependent or promiscuous relationshipsSpending money they dont haveNot taking care of health & wellbeingNot asking for help

What was stressful about preparing to come to UWA?What was stressful about getting to Perth?What has been stressful about starting Uni?How have you noticed other people experiencing stress?

Recovery

Less lows & more highs Increased familiarity with the new culture, its logic and values Increased sense of humour & recognition that you like parts of the new culture better than that of homeDeeper understandingMore ease with lifeQuestioning earlier assumptions about self & capabilities, and the world around you Creative interaction with the new culture that includes a willingness embrace new ideas and practices

Recovering from culture shock is handled differently by everyone-we each have our unique circumstances, background, strengths and weaknesses that need to be taken into consideration. With time and patience, we can experience positive effects of culture shock, like increasing self-confidence, improved self-motivation and cultural sensitivity. Adjustments As you gradually begin to feel more comfortable in and adjusting to the new environment, you will feel more like expanding your social networks and exploring new ideas. You will feel increasingly flexible and objective about your experience, learning to accept and perhaps practice parts of the new culture, (deleted "for yourself") while holding onto your own cultural traditions. 8/15/201126Adaptation strategies 1Decide to make the most of your experienceRealise that what you are going through is normal - its normal to experience stressful days and a surge in emotions while you adjustUnderstand stages of cultural adjustmentKeep in touch with your family & friendsTake care of yourself health & wellbeingTalk to someone friends, faculty, student supportHave fun and relaxImprove your cultural and language skills

Realize that what you are going through is normal. Remember that the unpleasant feelings are temporary, natural and common to any transition that a person makes during their life. Be patient and give yourself time to work through the process.Keep in touch with your home country. Read newspapers from home, international magazines, etc. Watch international television channels or surf the internet. Call home regularly. Have familiar things around you that have personal meaning, such as photographs or ornaments. Find a supplier of familiar foods or visit restaurants that are similar to your home cuisine.Take care of yourself. Eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep!Talk to someone. Find friends who are going through a similar process, call your family back home, or see a counsellor. Have fun and relax! Become a member of the I-House. Join student groups. Get out of your room and volunteer to help others. Take up a new sport at the RSF. Participate in activities, clubs and student organizations of interest to you.Improve your cultural and language skills. Cultural adaptation is greatly enhanced by perfecting your understanding of your host culture and your language skills. Not being able to clearly communicate can create isolation and loneliness. Make a point to join activities that give you the opportunity to share in conversation and express your identity.

Adaptation Strategies 2Everyone adapts in different ways Remember what normally helps you manage stress and try to incorporate these things into your daily life abroad Identify new ways of thinking positively and managing stressRemember its easy to misinterpret situations in new environments and when under stressDevelop good social supportsGet involved Make new friends

Practice asking yourself, "what is the actual reality of this situation vs. my perceived reality of the situation?"

8/15/201128Skills for being adaptableOpen mindednessSense of humourViewing failure or mistakes as learning opportunitiesCommunicationFlexibilityCuriosityPositive outlookRealistic expectationsTolerance and pride of differencesPositive regard for othersStrong sense of self

Open MindednessKeep your opinions flexible and receptive to new experiencesSense of HumourLaugh at things that frustrate you rather than getting angry or annoyed, embarrassed or discouragedLaughter relaxes the whole body. Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins (the bodys natural feel-good chemicals) Laughter protects the heart.Ability to Cope with FailureWe all fail at things often. In a forign environment it is normal to not get everything right all of the timeCommunicativenessBeing willing to communicate feelings and thoughts to others, verbally or non-verbally, is an important life skill Being willing to ASK FOR HELP is crucial in intercultural situations

Flexibility and AdaptabilityRespond and tolerate ambiguity of new situations Keep yourself open to new opportunities, ways of doing things, and ideasMinimise judgmental behaviour avoid hanging out with judgemental and negative people for too long

CuriosityBe curious and inquisitive about other people, places, ideas, etc. ASK QUESTIONS

Positive and Realistic ExpectationsDecide that you want to have a good time and learn lotsPositive expectations = successful adjustment

Tolerance and pride of differencesBe sympathetic of other peoples beliefs or practices differing from your ownBe proud of your own believes, values and practices and share them with others

Positive Regard for OthersBe open, warm, friendly, respectful and positive towards others

A Strong Sense of SelfKnow who you are, remember where you come fromStand up for what you believe but be open to knew ideas and experiences

8/15/201129ReviewHoneymoon periodCulture Shock Transition StressRecovery & Adjustment Adaptation & Enjoyment

Skillshop Discussion GroupDiscuss content of this courseShare experiencesSupport each otherAsk questionsTake time outRelaxEat Tim Tams

http://www.studentservices.uwa.edu.au/ss/learning

http://www.transition.uwa.edu.au/welcome/uniskills

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http://www.studentservices.uwa.edu.au/ss/counselling

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