Studying internationally has become increasingly prevalent over the past few decades. In 2005, over 2.7 million students were studying internationally (Chow & Marcus, 2008). This is compared to the mere 1.7 million who studied abroad just five years earlier. That is nearly a 63% increase in the number of students studying in foreign countries. Based off these figures, one can only assume that the number of international students will continue to rise in the coming years. Due to globalization, it is much more likely that a student will further his or her education in a place other than the home country.
With this rapid increase in the number of international students, it is crucial that universities be able to help with the adjustment of these …show more content…
One does not have to go across the world to experience this phenomenon either. In fact, culture shock can be found within one’s own city, or perhaps neighborhood. For example, if one were to live in the rural part of a city, but then move to an urban area, there might be some issues (such as the six outlined above) in adapting to the new life. There are certain factors that influence when, and to what extent, culture shock will be experienced. Two of these factors which will be examined in detail are time spent abroad and level of mastery of the language. In Michael Winkelman’s article “Cultural Shock and Adaptation,” he looks at a few of the factors that determine the presence and experience of culture shock. One of the phenomena that he examines is the phases of culture shock. Winkelman claims there are four phases that “are both sequential and cyclical” (Winkelman, 1994, p. 122). The phases are as follows: the honeymoon or tourist phase; the crises or cultural shock phase; the adjustment, reorientation, and gradual recovery phase; and the adaptation, resolution, and acculturation …show more content…
Already, there exist some programs that help with the process of introducing one’s self into a foreign setting. For example, many higher education institutions offer courses that create a sort of safe haven for the student. Another popular option is to offer an introduction to life in the foreign country or possibly an international student week that occurs during the week prior to the start of a semester. However, I believe that there are more effective ways to lessen the effects of culture shock. It has often been said that the best way to learn a language is immersion, and I believe that this could also apply to learning a culture. Immersion, however, does not only refer to being in the correct geological location. So, for instance, one could go to China and not become familiar with the culture whatsoever. This is possible due to the sheltering that occurs in many major cities. For instance, in Beijing, one can find hotels specifically geared toward English-speakers. How then does one go about becoming comfortable with the culture. I contend that the best way to do so is by involving one’s self in programs and activities that take place in the foreign
With this rapid increase in the number of international students, it is crucial that universities be able to help with the adjustment of these …show more content…
One does not have to go across the world to experience this phenomenon either. In fact, culture shock can be found within one’s own city, or perhaps neighborhood. For example, if one were to live in the rural part of a city, but then move to an urban area, there might be some issues (such as the six outlined above) in adapting to the new life. There are certain factors that influence when, and to what extent, culture shock will be experienced. Two of these factors which will be examined in detail are time spent abroad and level of mastery of the language. In Michael Winkelman’s article “Cultural Shock and Adaptation,” he looks at a few of the factors that determine the presence and experience of culture shock. One of the phenomena that he examines is the phases of culture shock. Winkelman claims there are four phases that “are both sequential and cyclical” (Winkelman, 1994, p. 122). The phases are as follows: the honeymoon or tourist phase; the crises or cultural shock phase; the adjustment, reorientation, and gradual recovery phase; and the adaptation, resolution, and acculturation …show more content…
Already, there exist some programs that help with the process of introducing one’s self into a foreign setting. For example, many higher education institutions offer courses that create a sort of safe haven for the student. Another popular option is to offer an introduction to life in the foreign country or possibly an international student week that occurs during the week prior to the start of a semester. However, I believe that there are more effective ways to lessen the effects of culture shock. It has often been said that the best way to learn a language is immersion, and I believe that this could also apply to learning a culture. Immersion, however, does not only refer to being in the correct geological location. So, for instance, one could go to China and not become familiar with the culture whatsoever. This is possible due to the sheltering that occurs in many major cities. For instance, in Beijing, one can find hotels specifically geared toward English-speakers. How then does one go about becoming comfortable with the culture. I contend that the best way to do so is by involving one’s self in programs and activities that take place in the foreign