SECTION 3
Katarina: So, Jatinder and Ali, how did you deal withcultureshock when you first came here to study?
Jatinder: Well, Katarina, when I first arrived in the UK, I was just soexcitedto be living in a foreign country: away from my parents that 1 just didnt really notice anything at first. How about you, Ali?
Ali: Yeah. Same here. Thats quite typical, isnt it? Everything seems new andfascinating. But, after this initialenthusiasmwears off, all the new experiences may begin tooverwhelmyou. Things that you found exciting at first may now seem strange and a littlefrightening. Even minor differences, such as being unable to buy your usual brands ofvariousproducts, can add to the sense ofstrangeness.
Jatinder: Yes. Thats right. Then you may start to experience sudden mood changes and strongreactions, feeling lost, disoriented, and evenirritatedand resentful. Most of all, you may wish you were back among the familiar people and places at home. Allinternationalstudents can experience culture shock in some forms, even those coming from countries with very similarlifestylesto those in the UK. It is important to understand that this reaction isentirelynormal and that it will pass.
Katarina: OK. So what suggestions do you have for me?
Ali: Well, I made sure that I arrived early. I got here about ten days, yeah, ten days before most of the other students, so that I could settle in before things got busy. Manyuniversitiesrun special induction programmes for international students in the week before term begins. A typical induction programmeprovidesa tour of the college or university, an overview of itsfacilitiesand how to use them, help with registering for youracademicprogramme, and social events where you can meet other students andstaff. This can help you to start to get used to your new environment.
Katarina: Yeah, I heard about those but too lateand fortune. Jatinder, did you go on an induction course like Ali?
Jatinder: No. I wish I had, but my parents wouldnt let me go a day sooner than absolutely necessary. It was very annoying.
Ali: Every university has counsellors who can give you practical advice onadjustingto your new environment. These people have special training in offering advice and support, and they understand thechallengesyou face. They can listen to yousympathetically, offer practical suggestions, and refer you to other professionals if necessary. Your personal tutor and the staff in the international office of yourcollegeor university can also be helpful.
Jatinder: Have you heard about the buddy ormentoringsystem? Students who have been at the university or college for a longer period give advice to new arrivals, and are available for help andguidancethroughout the year. There is information onschemessuch as these at the students union or the international studentassociationwill help you become involved. I used the system when I arrived and found it really opened some doorssocially. You know, I got to meet lots of people, like Ali, right?
Ali: Right! Katarina, I think that its also important to keep in touch with home. Use the telephone, e-mail andconventionalmail to keep in contact with your friends and family at home. In larger towns or cities with large internationalcommunities, like this one, you may be able to find people from your country. Spend some time with them. Many international students find that it helps to make contact with people from a similarbackgroundbecause they understand what you are going through. Spending time with people from your country can also be a relaxing break from the strangeness of the UK. You can speak your ownlanguage, eat your own foods and talk about what is going on back home.
Jatinder: Yes. And dont forget that the university has a variety of cultural societies, as well as an active international studentsassociation. Ask at the student union. They may also have information about national or cultural groups outside theinstitution.
Ali: Another thing you should try to do is to keep healthy and active. Make an effort to exercise regularly. You will feel better and it can also be a good way to meet people. Eat abalanced dietand find a shop that sells food from your part of the world, so that you can enjoy familiar meals when you want them.
Katarina: Thats a really good idea! Ill sign up at the university sports centre this afternoon!
Jatinder: I dont know whether you believe in God, but if you do, remembering yourfaithcan be helpful andcomforting. If you follow a religion and worshipregularlyat home, you can keep this up while you are in the UK. It can provide a sense ofstabilityand be a link to your life at home. Every major religion in the world isrepresentedhere, and most large cities have Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist centres, as well assynagoguesand churches of alldenominations. The student union keeps a list of places of worship.
Katarina: Im notreligious, but I do see your point. So, theres plenty I can do practical things, I mean. And above all, I need to remind myself that culture shock is normal: andtemporary.