Home > Overcoming Culture Shock in the USA: Tips for International Students

Overcoming Culture Shock in the USA: Tips for International Students

As an international student moving to the United States, embarking on this new adventure is often accompanied by waves of different emotions. 

You may feel excited to explore a new country and eager to pursue your academic goals. However, it’s also perfectly normal to feel a little disoriented or overwhelmed as you navigate unfamiliar customs and social cues. This feeling is often referred to as culture shock, a common experience for international students adjusting to a new cultural environment.

What is culture shock?

Many people experience a sense of disorientation known as culture shock when they come into contact with a new way of life.

Culture shock is a natural response to being immersed in a society with different values, norms, and expectations than what you’re used to. You might find yourself confused by communication styles, puzzled by social interactions, or simply missing the familiar comforts of home. But don’t worry — you’re not alone, and there are effective strategies to navigate this transition and thrive in your new surroundings.

Stages of culture shock

While each person’s experience with culture shock is unique, it often unfolds in stages. You might initially feel a sense of excitement and fascination (the honeymoon phase), followed by feelings of frustration, confusion, and even isolation (the frustration phase). Eventually, you’ll start learning how to integrate into the local community (adaptation phase), until you finally reach the acceptance phase, when you can fully enjoy your new lifestyle.

It can be helpful to know that all these different feelings are part of a normal adjustment process. With time and effort, you’ll begin to adapt and integrate, finding ways to feel at home in the United States.

Culture shock symptoms

Becoming familiar with common signs of culture shock can help you recognize what you’re feeling and take action or seek help.

Common signs of culture shock:

• Anxiety
• Anger/Irritability
• Disorientation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Eating or sleeping too much or too little
• Fatigue
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Feeling lost or helpless
• Feeling isolated
• Homesickness
• Lack of motivation
• Loss of identity
• Sadness

Examples of culture shock in the US

The situations you find unfamiliar will depend not only on where you’re going, but also where you’re coming from. 

For example, if you’re from a culture where making eye contact is considered rude or disrespectful, you may be surprised to find that eye contact is considered polite and attentive in the United States. It may make you uncomfortable to feel other people’s eyes on you. It all depends on what you’re used to.

Here are some typical American traits or situations you may find unfamiliar.

• Small talk. Americans tend to be very friendly and talkative, even with strangers. When you’re waiting in line at the supermarket, other people might ask how your day is going or comment on the weather, non-controversial current events, or local sports. This is known as small talk.
• Personal space. Americans keep a “personal bubble” of space around them, which may be larger than what you’re used to in South America, Europe, or Asia. You may find people moving away from you if you get what feels like “too close” to them.
• Directness. In personal and professional conversations, direct and honest communication is the norm. Americans usually express their opinions and emotions openly, even if they are in disagreement with others. Directness is often considered efficient and productive, and may be especially valued in the workplace.
• Slang. Americans are often informal, using first names and slang, especially with people they know. However, some slang may be considered inappropriate in certain academic or professional settings. This can be difficult for newcomers: first, to understand slang when it’s used, and later, to know whether it’s appropriate to use slang in certain situations.
• Punctuality. Being late is a sign of disrespect in American culture. This is very important not only in academic and professional settings, but also in personal relationships.
• Sales tax. Sales tax is not included in the listed price. For example, if the tag on a shirt says $20, it actually costs $20 + sales tax, so the final price might be around $22. The amount of sales tax varies depending on where you are.
• Tipping. If you eat at a restaurant, you are expected to tip your server 15-20%. 
• Large food portions. You may be surprised at the amount of food you are served at a restaurant. Don’t worry, you can ask for a “doggy bag” and take the food you don’t eat home with you.
• Very attentive wait staff. When you eat at a restaurant, your server may speak with and interact with you more than you’re used to. They usually introduce themself when they greet you for the first time, and may check in on you multiple times throughout your meal. They may also bring the check before you ask for it, or ask if you’re ready for the check. If you stay at the table for an extended period of time after finishing your meal, this can be considered rude.
• Smiling. Americans tend to smile a lot, even at strangers. This can be disconcerting if you’re not used to it.
• Supermarkets. Newcomers often report feeling overwhelmed by the enormous size of American supermarkets and the huge variety of the different types of items.

Understanding that these differences exist and are simply alternative ways of doing things can help you approach them with curiosity rather than frustration.

Strategies to overcome culture shock in the U.S.

To help you navigate this journey, here are some practical tips to manage and overcome culture shock when coming to America:

Prepare before you go

• Research the local culture and customs, not just in the United States, but in the specific region where your university is located (the state and the city or town). 
• Practice your English and slang to boost your confidence.
• Make a list of tasks you need to complete, like getting your visa and setting up a bank account. Being organized and prepared can help you feel less stressed.

Take action

• Get involved in university life. Join clubs or organizations, form study groups, and attend campus events. 
• Make friends with both Americans and other international students. Everyone is looking for new friends at university. Invite your classmates to study together, watch sports, go to a free art exhibition, or walk around a new area of town.
• Explore your new surroundings. Visiting parks and museums, attending local events, going to concerts, and trying new foods are some examples of ways to feel connected to your new city.

Lean on your support network

• Connect with other international students who understand what you’re going through.
• Talk with family and friends back home.
• Use the support services available at your university.

Prioritize self-care

• Eat healthy foods.
• Get regular exercise.
• Get enough sleep.
• Practice ways to relieve stress: hobbies, crafts, sports, listening to music, relaxation techniques.
• Seek help if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Embrace the journey

• Celebrate the small victories: every successful conversation, every new friend, every new discovery is worth recognizing. 
• Document your journey through journaling or taking photos. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate how much you’re learning and growing.

Remember that MIU is always here to support you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to student services or other support systems available on campus. 

Culture shock is a normal and temporary phase of studying abroad. Trust that with time and effort, you will not only adapt but learn to thrive in your new American home.