How should I prepare?
0 1. Common sense difference
After living abroad for a long time, you may encounter some reverse "cultural shock" at the beginning of your return to China. For example, when shopping, looking at the first floor in the elevator will hesitate: isn't it GF (ground? Floor)? In fact, there are differences not only in the expression of floors at home and abroad, but also in the definition of "first floor" in English. American English and British English are completely different. American English means "the first floor" and British English means "the second floor".
02. Habit differences
Sometimes differences permeate the details of life. If you and your friends are walking down the street in America and suddenly sneeze, you will definitely get a "bless you" response. You need to reply with a "thank you" and say a "blessing" when others sneeze. This is common in English-speaking countries, even in France, Spain, Germany and Italy in Europe.
So why is there such a habit? People have different views on this. One version of the story is that sneezing is one of the early symptoms of the medieval plague, that is, the Black Death, so people's reaction when sneezing is: "God bless you" to pray for God's blessing and avoid this disaster.
03. Dietary differences
"Food is the most important thing for the people". China's food culture is profound, and other countries also have their own eating habits and lifestyles. Therefore, when a "China Stomach" comes abroad, TA may meet strict vegetarians, and vegetarians have different standards for their own diet. Even strict people will give up eggs and dairy products.
Four stages of cultural shock
honeymoon phase
When international students go abroad, everything is novel and interesting, and they will naturally feel excited and full of desire to explore. Enthusiasm is likely to cover up some differences and problems caused by shocks.
Crisis stage
However, when international students spend a few months abroad, the comfort zone is completely broken. When all kinds of unpleasant and incomprehensible things happen to you, you are likely to feel helpless and confused.
Adjustment state adjustment stage
After a difficult crisis, you will probably calm down and examine all kinds of differences and shocks, so as to better adjust your life and study.
Resolution state attenuation stage
When the life and study of international students are on the right track, you finally have a new routine that suits you best!
Positive coping strategies
Prepare before departure
Know the facilities and environment of your school in advance, as well as the requirements of majors and courses. Many schools will provide a description of a typical day on their official websites, or record school life with videos on Youtube. These are all good ways to let you know the difference in advance.
Positive and friendly
After going abroad, you may find that group activities and seminars will become very common learning methods. This requires you to break away from your previous hard work experience and unite and cooperate with classmates all over the world. It takes some courage and skill, but friendliness and enthusiasm are always the master key!
keep in touch
In foreign countries, you may spend more energy to overcome cultural differences and get used to living and studying with all kinds of people, so when you jump out of your comfort zone, your relatives and friends at home will always be your "safe island". If the phone is not enough, remember to help your parents install Skype in advance!
Although people are abroad, the international student center of the school or other China students in the school will give you friendly help. Give me your hand! Then you will find that living and studying in a foreign country is not as lonely as you think.