Studying abroad will probably be one of the best experiences in your life. You get to have a new beginning, explore new places, experience a new culture, make new friends, and gain valuable skills and knowledge, but how will you manage cultural differences in the US?
However, adapting to a new culture can be challenging, and many students struggle with culture shock during their time abroad. In this blog post, we will provide tips to help international students adapt to US culture and make the most of their study abroad experience.
Whether you’re participating in one of the best study abroad programs or pursuing a degree at a US university, these tips will help you adjust to life in the United States and thrive in your new environment.
This guide will also provide you with the resources you need to embrace US culture and make the most of your study abroad experience, from exploring new foods to learning about American customs and traditions.
Seven Essential Tips to Manage Cultural Differences in the US
1. Stay Positive Always
As with anything else in life, staying positive is always the best thing you can do. When faced with a totally different lifestyle, it will be hard not to feel overwhelmed at some point.
But as long as you remember that this is totally normal and that most international students go through this phase, the only thing left to do is to stay happy and explore your new culture.
Things aren’t going to get any better if you keep dwelling on the negatives, so keep reminding yourself of all the good things about being here. You could even write a list of positive things about studying in the US and why you are there.
Reading it every time you’re feeling down really works. Of course, you need to really try it in order to feel the benefits.
2. Research and Learn a lot about the United States
Before you actually pack your bags and travel to study in the United States, take some time to learn a few things about the country, its people and culture, and the city you will live in. What you’ve seen in movies might not always be the real deal.
Moreover, if you already know something about the lifestyle and people before you arrive, it won’t be so much of a culture shock. We live in the technology era, so if you want to talk to someone who lives thousands of miles away from you, you can do that from your laptop.
Join US students’ groups online, try to join the conversation, and create friendships with colleagues and people on campus. You can also check out travel forums, guidebooks, and news reports. The internet is your friend!
3. Join Student Groups and Clubs
American student life is well known for the clubs and sororities that many students join. This is your opportunity to get closer to both US students and other international students, to start making friends you can talk to and ask questions about things you do not understand.
It can be refreshing to speak to people who have the same frame of reference for jokes and television shows. If you are into sports, you should also know that any US university will have many different sports teams, which you can join and pursue your passion even if you are far away from home.
You should also attend all of your university’s student orientation events to get an overview of all the opportunities available.
4. Set Learning Goals for Your Time in the US
Before you leave to study in the US, consider compiling a list of the things you wish to achieve during your time abroad. These can include learning about US culture and history, learning how to cook, gaining experience in your field of study, or reading a particular book.
It’s your list, your goals, so think about what you really want. Make it authentic! If you keep track of the goals you set before you arrive, it will be easier to remind yourself of the reasons you decided to study in the US in the first place.
It can also provide an instant set of plans and ideas for when you are feeling lost and don’t know what you do. Keep this list close!
5. Find a Healthy Distraction
The difference between positive and negative people lies in how they choose to act in an unpleasant situation. Rather than locking yourself in your room and feeling miserable, try doing something that you like, and that keeps you in a healthy state of mind.
Exercising will definitely help. Americans like to run in the park, so you could try joining them and see how you feel once you are part of the city’s atmosphere.
Also, remember to eat well, get plenty of sleep, and drink water regularly. By keeping yourself in good condition, you can reduce stress and depression.
6. Choose Shared Student Housing
If you are thinking of living alone, think again! Sharing a flat can be a great idea when you want to adapt to a new culture and discover more new things. It may also be cheaper. You should push yourself to make friends and try to see things through the locals’ eyes.
And the best way of doing that is actually to live with a local student. You will get to know them and ask all the silly questions you are thinking about. You will probably be living either in student accommodation on campus or in shared housing outside the campus.
Both options are good, but for most students, it’s best to live within the university’s campus. This way, you will be close to all the student parties and activities, making it easier to participate.
7. Explore Every Day
If you wish to adapt to the new culture, you should not avoid it but try to immerse yourself and get to know as many people as possible. The best thing about studying abroad is that you get to learn new things on a daily basis.
So make that your goal and try to learn something or explore a new place every day. By getting out of your room and outside of your apartment, you can experience first-hand what the locals are doing. If you visit public places, such as a shopping mall or sporting events, you can watch and learn how American customs are practiced.
Doesn’t sound so scary anymore? As long as you are prepared and excited about your adventure in the US, you’re sure to break through that initial culture shock.
Final Thoughts
By following these steps, you’ll be able to adapt to cultural differences and make the most of your study years in the United States. Remember, the key is to stay positive, keep an open mind, and be enthusiastic about the cultural exchange. Your genuine interest in adapting to a new environment will shine through, leaving a positive impression on the people you meet.