Hi guys. I am called to write about something that pertaining us. Culture shock; is something that everyone will experience once in a while. I'd done an interview in a favor for a friend couple nights before who asked me what is culture shock.
In a high definition form of culture shock, a formal definition.
According to Meriam Dictionary, it is a
a sense of confusion and uncertainty sometimes with feelings of anxiety that may affect people exposed to an alien culture or environment without adequate preparation
That is a formal definition. Well, my version of culture shock (speaking from experience) will be
A state where someone meets new culture and have difficulty adjusting to it. And at the end of the day, they change and adapts into it.
Culture shock is not a medical condition, it is not a disease. But it is common especially when you move into a new place, where you have to meet the whole i-get-to-know-you process. It can be exciting but it is also can be overwhelming. Speaking in our own context, university life that is; I believe that we all kind of have the same problem.
University life can be demanding. I bet all of you have the same idea as I do. No more uptight schedule, no more prep (for boarding school student), no more uniform (yeay), and no more bestfriends from school :"(
Everything changes, you got to meet new people and most importantly the new environment that you are in now will it affect you or not.
I met some people from my past back in my Uni's life. Well, they changed a bit. The change in appearance is common. Everything hips is swag right? (kudo to shady's group) But if you change because of someone, or just to feel accepted...You might want to ask yourself was it worth it? So, point number one of culture shock in university life. FRIENDS
We all get it, you want to be accepted. All of us want to feel as if we are part of something special. Getting attached with new friends is amazing. It is different. Friends you have met during your school days seem to be long forgotten. You have your new friends, alas you forget everything. DON'T do that. Remember who you are. I'd love to quote my old favourite song. Seems legit eh?
Avoid horrible influence, get in touch with the good one.
If your friends lead you to the right path, then there is he or she is the keeper.
But if they lead you astray...you know what to do..
Point number two, LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
If you are saying learning environment in school and university is the same.
THINK AGAIN.
The gap between the difference of learning environment in university and school is so long. *insertjokehere. If back in school, we struggled a lot in our homeworks, buku latihan, rampaian, buku kira-kira, buku graf, buku nota.. But in university.. what do we do?
Haha, it is a lot to adapt eh for the new students in university. Another thing is to get used to the hectic life of university. Especially for us with all of the Hps' and college programme which requires endless meeting, datelines and you have to catch up with your group work programme. If you used to only sleep and date with your book, you have a MEETING to add to your misery. Commitment is another thing right guys?
I guess we all just have to embrace everything. *sigh
So do you know whether you have a culture shock or not?
These are a few symptoms although some people experience or dealing it differently
- not wanting to be around people who are different from you
- sadness
- loneliness
- anxiety
- trouble concentrating
- feeling left out or misunderstood
- developing negative and simplistic views of the new culture
- frustration
- extreme homesickness
STAGES OF CULTURE SHOCK
| Excitement | When you first arrive, you are excited and interested in discovering new things |
| Confusion | Then you start to focus on the differences and feel confused, homesick, frustrated or depressed. You avoid spending time with people |
| Resentment | You then start to resent the different culture and perhaps feel hostile, defensive or vulnerable |
| Coping | Eventually, you feel more relaxed and less dependent on others. You may start to appreciate the new culture |
| Belonging | Finally, you feel a sense of belonging and confidence. You enjoy both your new and home cultures |
How to deal?
- Remember that your reactions are normal
- Stay in contact with your family and friends
- Join a student or community group
- Join a study group
- Contact your department to find a tutor
- Talk to your advisers and lecturers about problems studying
I hope you enjoy reading it and I leave you a quote to ponder.
Whatever you do, if you set your motivation and for us Muslim, betulkan niat anda
Then you will get there.
nina osman
