Marion PhelutWhile it is difficult to quantify precisely the number of students affected by this situation, a study led by Canada’s UTQR University in 2020 highlights that international students are often confronted with culture shock, to language barriers and differences in education systems.
This article answers the question ‘What is culture shock?’ and helps us to understand thanks to students’ testimonies, how to deal with it.
“Culture shock Who?”
Studying abroad is an exciting adventure, which can be associated with a phase of adaptation that varies in intensity, depending on the student. This, is the culture shock. This phenomenon is not always simply a result of homesickness, but is based on several factors: language, lifestyle, academic and social differences, and the perception of integration into a new environment.
Angelica, an Italian student, explains that she barely experienced any culture shock, because of the many similarities between Spain and her native country. « The only things that make me feel that I’m not in Italy is the language. But on the same time, the Italian and Spanish languages are so similar, and it was easy for me to learn the basis in Spanish to communicate with people».
For her part, Carla, a French-Spanish student, shares a similar feeling: she already knew the culture and the language, which made it easy for her to integrate. However, she notes a significant difference between France and Spain in the way traditions and cultural identity are celebrated: « France is really close to Spain, they share a lot of habits and cultural things. I feel there are way more values that Spanish culture and Spanish people are maybe proud of. We often see cultural expression and demonstrations on the streets. ».
However, for other students the culture shock can be more pronounced. Greta, an Armenian student adds: «My cultural shock was parrots in the streets!». Also, Greta who had her first experience of flat sharing found the transition more challenging: «It is difficult to live with people I don’t know, and the fact that I need to have my brain working 24/7 not to forget something.».
A university system that shakes things up
One of the most confusing aspects for exchange students is generally the change in academic methodology. Some students with precise expectations about the level of requirements find themselves surprised by the differences in teaching approach. Used to a more strict pace of study, they find themselves disconcerted by the teachers’ more flexible attitude and reduced amount of work.
On the contrary, Angelica had already expected the academic work to be less intense in Spain. An idea widely shared by her Italian friends who had already experienced an Erasmus exchange. However, she was pleasantly surprised by the importance given to practice in Spanish teaching, contrasting the more theoretical model in her own country.
This different approach can be perceived positively or negatively, depending on each person’s expectations and habits. For example, Carla who already knew that the Spanish education system would be different, was able to adapt easily. She explains: «About my expectations in class, I knew that the system of education was about to be different. I was not disappointed or surprised, I knew that. I just didn’t know the way it was going to be, but I knew it was going to be different.».
Social inclusion: a major challenge
Academic and cultural differences aside, one of the biggest challenges for an international student is social integration. For Greta, this was not one of the most difficult steps: «Because it’s the second time I’m studying abroad, it has been really easy for me to adapt, and I hadn’t faced any major difficulties. I have made friends really easily as the Erasmus students are really openminded and want to make new connections. It has been a joy to get to know these new people.».
But while the Erasmus community is often a natural refuge for international students, many express a desire to forge links with local students. But this is not always easy. Carla, for example, expected to have more contact with Spanish students: «I was expecting to have a bit more of Spanish friends – people from the university. Which in reality was a bit more “the Erasmus people and the people of the university” in two separated groups. Right now, I do have Spanish friends from the university and I know it is not the case for everyone.».
“Survival Guide” & tips
Finally, for some students this “culture shock transition” can go smoothly thanks to cultural similarities or similar lifestyles. For others, it’s a challenge that requires a real effort to adapt.
In response to these challenges, Carla offers a simple but effective piece of advice to help people integrate: «Talking about tips I can give to help, just say yes to all the activities people propose. It made me able to make me a lot of friends. And because I just said yes to one restaurant, I integrated this really cool group of girls. So don’t stay on your own, don’t be afraid of talking with people. We are all in the same situation, we all are alone, we all don’t know anybody, we don’t know the school. Saying yes is just being welcoming to the rest!».
But Greta, Angelica and Carla are not the only ones to have experienced this. Neele, Lies and Elodie are also students who spent part of their studies on international exchange in Barcelona. Now back in their home country, or finishing their exchange year in Barcelona, you will find them in the following podcast. This, will give you feedback on their experiences and their recommendations for this new life as international students.
