Adjusting to Life in the United States

Most students who choose to study abroad go through a period of cultural adjustment.  For many students, planning to study in the US has been an exciting thought for a long time.  After entering a new culture or community, it is normal and expected to feel overwhelmed, excited, nervous, sad, frustrated, happy, etc. all at once.  Remember that you are not alone. Most international students feel this way in the beginning of their stay and UNG has resources that can help. 

Here are three tips that can help you adjust: (1) Prepare for things to be different, (2) Plan for self-care abroad and (3) Stay engaged and avoid withdrawal when studying in the US. 

 Prepare for things to be different:

The greater the differences between the US and your home culture, the more adjustment and patience will be required.  Moving away from friends, family, and the familiarity of home is both positively and negatively challenging.  This is why it’s critical to mentally prepare before making the trip.  Prepare yourself to come to the US by learning as much as you can about the area you will be in, and just know that most international students go through an adjustment period upon arrival.

Plan for self-care abroad:

Know the signs of “Cultural Shock”.  Common reactions to culture shock include:

·         extreme homesickness

·         avoiding social situations

·         physical complaints and sleep difficulties

·         difficulty with coursework and inability to concentrate

·         becoming angry over minor irritations

·         significant nervousness or exhaustion

Learn about your campus resources.  What offices can help physical and mental self-care, are there any other international student(s) from your home country or is there an organization(s) you can join with similar beliefs.  At UNG you can find help for self-care through the Center for Global Engagement, www.ung.edu/cge, Student Counseling, www.ung.edu/student-counseling or Student Health Services, ung.edu/student-health-services/. 

 Stay engaged and avoid withdrawal:

The more people you know and activities you take part in, the more you will feel part of your new environment.  Join clubs on campus, attend campus activities you can learn about on UNG Connect, meet as many people as you can, and really make yourself part of the UNG community and surrounding community. Also, talk to other international students and share your experiences with them. It is most likely that they are having similar experiences and could offer advice on how to adjust.  Make new friends with those students in your residence halls and classes.  They could introduce you to other new people or clubs.  Staying engaged at UNG will help you have a meaningful experience at UNG.