Adjusting to a New Environment

When you arrive in a new country with a different culture you can experience a wide variety of feelings and reactions.

For example, you may feel confused, nervous, irritable, uncertain and dependent on others, and you may miss your family and friends more than you expected. All these could mean you question your decision to come to Australia. Was it the right decision?

Coping with culture shock requires a special effort, but it is important to remember that you are not alone in your feelings of distress. Most people in their first weeks and months in a new country experience similar reactions - it is a normal response to a drastic change in your physical, social and cultural environment.

The following tips will help you adjust to a new culture:

• Listen, observe and keep an open mind

You may be unfamiliar with the social rules in Australia. People show differences in their attitudes and behaviour. Try to listen carefully to what people are saying and observe their body language closely. In other words, concentrate on both verbal and non-verbal communication techniques. You may discover the meaning intended by observation and interpretation rather than assuming from past experience in your own culture.

If some of these non-verbal signals are insulting in your culture, don't take it personally. For example, smiling when you are introduced to someone may be a sign of respect in your culture; in Australia, if someone does not smile in this situation, it does not necessarily mean that he or she is not respectful.

Everyone can be proud of and comfortable with their own cultural background. An open mind and awareness of difference can help us to respect each other and learn from each other.

• Ask questions, seek clarification

Ask yourself if the behaviour you are seeing makes sense within the Australian culture, even if it seems strange or wrong to you. Remember that you may have misunderstood something because you didn't have enough information. Ask questions from those you know who you think can help.

• Keep your sense of humour

It is very likely that you will make mistakes as you explore a new culture. If you laugh at some of these mistakes it will help you to learn, adapt and enjoy the experience.

• Anxiety and frustration

Learning to function effectively in a new culture is not easy. Meanings in Cross-cultural situations are often unclear. This can be stressful because you are not sure what others expect of you or what you can expect of them. In these situations it is natural to feel anxious and frustrated.

If you recognise that these feelings are a normal part of the experience of living away from "home" you may be able to deal with them more efficiently. Your sense of humour and openness will also help. As you gain greater understanding of the new culture you can expect the level of stress to diminish.

• Become involved

Remember, the more you put into the experience, the more you will learn from it. Try to make an effort to meet people, form friendships, and get involved in recreational activities (eg Sports - part of your tuition fee pays for membership of UQ Sport , the Library, Student Union, Clubs, Faculty Associations, Schonell Cinema, etc.) and learn about others and their culture.

• Moving to a new culture is a learning experience

There is valuable learning in experiencing and understanding a way of life different from yours. It may surprise you to discover that you will learn things about your own culture that you may not have thought about before. It is a rare opportunity not only to broaden your viewpoint but also to mature personally and to understand yourself better.

• Readjusting when you return home

Almost all students who study in foreign countries experience some degree of culture shock in reverse, particularly when they return home after having studied in Australia for several years. You may find the adjustments needed even more painful and difficult than those you made when you first arrived in UQ, partly because it may come to you as a surprise.

Among the problems associated with returning home are those of identity and insecurity, adjustments in life style and interpersonal relationships. While in Australia, it is likely you will adapt to the Australian way of life. Students often experience greater individual freedom living away from their families. Having to conform again to the expectations of family and society may cause some frustration.

Special 'Return Home Seminars' are organised during your final semester. These give you an opportunity to consider how you have changed and assist in making a smooth transition from study to life back home.
Feel free to discuss any issues related to settling in, homesickness and cultural adjustment with one of the International Student Advisers. 

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