Texas Tech University

Cultural Adjustment

 



All students must adjust to the culture and surroundings of their chosen study abroad location - you are not alone!


Brown Melanee

After the initial excitement of being abroad wears off, you may notice some mixed feelings: excitement, nervousness, frustration, determination, and more. Experiencing a range of emotions is normal when we are placed in unfamiliar environments, and the degree of adjustment for each individual will vary person-to-person. Although adjustment and coping strategies are different for each person, remember that you will not be the only person on your study abroad program feeling this way. 

Transitioning to a new place, time zone, culture, and university is challenging. At the same time, challenges give students opportunities to develop critical adult skills such as complex ways of thinking, problem solving, and self-care. Recognizing the obvious and less overt emotions that accompany study abroad students' cultural adjustment are paramount to your personal and academic success. It is also important for study abroad students to know when it is time to reach out for support and where to find appropriate, relevant resources.

Students who ignore the emotional, cognitive, and psychological challenges of studying abroad may have difficulty maximizing the amazing opportunities presented to them! Instead of "just dealing with it," which is not a solution, we recommend thinking proactively about healthy ways to cope with the stress of cultural adjustment.

Signs of Cultural Adjustment

  • Excessive eating, drinking alcohol, and/or drug use
  • Excessive sleeping
  • Abuse of prescription medication
  • Stereotyping host or home country
  • Feelings of withdrawal or boredom
  • Missing or skipping classes
  • Difficulty or inability to work effectively
  • Not succeeding academically
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • And more

Wellness Strategies

When you are stressed while studying on campus, what do you do to chill out? Think about healthy coping mechanisms that you utilize in your everyday life in the US and incorporate these into your study abroad experience. In addition, try these wellness strategies if you feel yourself experiencing the stress of cultural adjustment:

  • Reflect on what may be causing your negative and positive emotions – a lot of study abroad students keep a journal or blog!
  • Integrate regular exercise into your routine
  • Re-evaluate where, how, and with whom you are spending your energy
  • Eat a healthy diet and abstain from alcohol (alcohol is a depressant)
  • Limit your use of or disengage from electronics
  • Create a solid support network in-country
  • Familiarize yourself with the resources available at your host university (e.g., staff, faculty, student organizations, and specialized offices)
  • Reach out to your Texas Tech Study Abroad Counselor or Engineering Program Manager with questions and/or concerns

Concerns about Health & Safety

Students who experience concerns about their health and/or safety should contact their on-site program coordinator immediately for information about local support and services. Not all foreign universities and/or study abroad programs will have health center, disability office, or risk intervention and safety education services on campus in the way that Texas Tech has the Student Health Services, Student Disability Services, and the Risk Intervention & Safety Education (RISE) office. Staff and faculty at your host university or program will have the most knowledge about what resources are available – on and off campus – to which you can be connected for issues, questions, and concerns about your health, wellness, and safety. The staff for your study abroad program can also assist you in getting in touch with loved ones back home as well as your Texas Tech Study Abroad Counselor or Engineering Program Manager regarding these issues or concerns.

If you are the victim of a crime such as theft or violence during your international experience, notify your on-site program coordinator immediately.

Mental Health Concerns

Students who experience mental health concerns should contact their on-site program coordinator immediately for information about local support and services. Not all foreign universities and/or study abroad programs will have student counseling services on campus in the way that Texas Tech has the Student Counseling Center. as well as mental health resources available through the Risk Intervention & Safety Education (RISE) office. Staff and faculty at your host university or program will have the most knowledge about what resources are available – on and off campus – to which you can be connected for issues, questions, and concerns about your mental health. The staff for your study abroad program can also assist you in getting in touch with loved ones back home as well as your TTU Study Abroad Counselor or Engineering Program Manager regarding these issues or concerns.

Your international insurance offers mental health support. If you have questions about coverage or how to use these resources, contact your TTU Study Abroad Counselor or Engineering Program Manager.

If you experience a mental health crisis during your international experience, notify your on-site program coordinator and/or the local equivalent of 911 immediately.

Concerns about Alcohol & Drugs

Students who experience concerns about alcohol and/or drugs should contact their on-site program coordinator immediately for information about local support and services. Not all foreign universities and/or study abroad programs will have student counseling services or risk intervention and safety education services on campus in the way that Texas Tech has the Student Counseling Center and the Risk Intervention & Safety Education (RISE) office. Staff and faculty at your host university or program will have the most knowledge about what resources are available – on and off campus – to which you can be connected for issues, questions, and concerns about your substance use or abuse. The staff for your study abroad program can also assist you in getting in touch with loved ones back home as well as your Texas Tech Study Abroad Counselor or Engineering Program Manager regarding these issues or concerns.

If you experience crisis related to alcohol or drugs during your international experience, notify your on-site program coordinator immediately.