How to survive the education vacation. By Danny Tes

International education is an exciting and wonderful experience.  Like an extended vacation, studying abroad is a great way to see and experience the world.  Leaving everything behind and enjoying a completely different environment only enriches your life. What is not to love about travelling and obtaining a diversified education?  One is able to learn about a new culture, experience new culinary avenues, and adopt a different lifestyle.  Furthermore, it is longer than your average two-week vacation!

However, things are not always like what we imagine them to be.  We miss our friends, our family and our daily routines. In addition to this, one has an increase in personal responsibility such as: obtaining housing, acquiring a working visa, integrating into a new community, navigating the local transit system, locating health care, organizing personal finances and much more.  This series of events leads to an increase in emotional, mental and physical stress.   But I want to let you know that this is normal.  This is "Culture Shock".

One of my passions is working with people of different culture especially in the area of personal development.  Over the last eight years, I have developed and coordinated programs to tackle the challenges faced by international students.  Culture shock has been the central issue for those who study abroad and is at the center of my personal work.  I have facilitated and educated peers and professionals on this issue.  I know that it's helpful to get some information on what culture shock is and how to manage it. 

Anyone who studies or travels abroad has experienced some form of culture shock. It affects each individual differently and its duration varies.  Some of the typical signs or symptoms include:

• Frustration

• Anxiety

• Loneliness

• Homesickness

• Altered Health

This unavoidable human reaction is bound to happen and will affect your educational experience. It can also be experienced in reverse when you re-enter your home country after being away for a period of time.

So, what are some of the ways to manage it?

1. Preparation before take off: Take some time to study your host culture, its people and lifestyle.  Being aware of the community in which you are studying in is beneficial. With the amount of information from books and the Internet you can prepare yourself for the new environment.  This will lead to an increase in awareness and thus decrease the amount of stress you will encounter while studying abroad.  I find that many of us are not prepared when we arrive to a new country.

2. Openness and Self-awareness:  Challenges are inevitable when you are studying abroad.  Be open to learning while settling in at school. Explore new ideas without compromising personal beliefs, values and morals.  Integrate and find a lifestyle that fits your personal, social and educational needs.  Recognize difficult situations and manage stress with the right attitude.  Knowing how to deal with personal and environment changes is essential.  Overall, an open mind will reduce the culture shock

3. Active Engagement: A curious mind is a great tool when you're in an unfamiliar territory even if you are prepared. Obtaining information via social interaction can diffuse personal concerns even though it may seem intimidating at first.  Communicating, asking questions and developing relationships all help to build social networks and diversify resources.  I believe this will substantially reduce the emotional and mental stresses. Enhancing your emotional intelligence and interpersonal relationship skills is central to reducing culture shock.

4. A positive attitude and outlook: Difficult situations are inevitable at home or abroad.  A positive attitude is important and it can make tough situations easier to deal with.  Take time to observe and learn from your experiences. Approaching these circumstances head on will take time but will be made easier with the right outlook. Having the right mind set and working through the cultural processes will help you counter anxiety while studying abroad.

5. Support Networks: Many educational institutions have services and resources to help individual or groups adjust to a new lifestyle.  There are international student counsellors, advisers, teachers, professors and other staff that can aid in decreasing cultural shock. In addition to professional support, there are also international peer support groups or committees geared toward easing transitional stress.  Overall by identifying and utilizing the appropriate support services, you will be able to settle into a new community with less difficulty. I strongly believe that support service for international students is essential to managing your challenge in and out of school.

Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience. Culture shock can be managed and over come.  Learning more about yourself and where you are going is only to your advantage.  With this said do not turn a blind eye to the reality of culture shock. Like some may say "Do you homework before you go to class, it will save you trouble."

Danny Tes has a B. Sc. in Biology/Psychology, a Post-degree diploma and specilization in Intercultural Education and Training. He is currently working for non-profit organization 'The Victoria Immigrant & Refugee Center Society' as Child/Youth worker and Employment Resource Advisor.