Adjusting to a new culture
As an international student, you’ll notice differences between life in the United States and your home country—social interactions, communication styles and daily routines. Give yourself time to adapt. Many students experience what’s called culture shock.
What is culture shock?
Culture shock is a normal part of learning a new culture. It’s not sudden or extreme, but you may feel uncomfortable before you adjust and feel confident in your new environment.
Cultural baggage
Along with your personal belongings, you bring invisible “cultural baggage”—your values and customs. Understanding your own values helps you recognize and respect cultural differences, making adaptation easier.
Tips for international students
Know what to expect
Plan ahead for your departure and how you’ll maintain relationships at home. Allow time to say goodbye and set realistic expectations for staying in touch.
Stay connected
You don’t need a strict schedule for calls or emails, but create a plan that works for you. Long gaps in communication can worry family and friends, so keep them informed.
Expect differences
Life in the U.S. may feel fast-paced. People may walk and talk quickly, traffic patterns may seem confusing and buildings may look different. These are easy to adjust to.
Academic differences—such as class formats, registration and campus procedures—may feel unfamiliar. For help, visit the international student office.
Stages of adjustment
Studying abroad means big changes in daily life. Most students experience these common stages when adapting to a new culture:
- Excitement: The first weeks feel like an adventure—new sights, sounds and experiences. You’ll notice similarities between your home culture and U.S. culture, and most people seem friendly and helpful. Differences may feel curious or interesting.
- Emerging differences: As you settle in, cultural differences become more noticeable—and sometimes frustrating. Small challenges in academics or social life can cause stress. This stage often leads to culture shock.
- Culture shock: Culture shock is gradual, not sudden. Common symptoms include:
- Homesickness
- Avoiding social settings
- Sleep problems or physical complaints
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression or irritability
- Loss of humor or motivation
Recognizing these signs helps you manage them. Support is available through MCC’s international student office and counseling services.
Quick tips to adapt
- Be open-minded. Treat unfamiliar behaviors as “different,” not wrong. Embrace curiosity over judgment.
- Observe and learn. Watch how others interact. Note both verbal and nonverbal cues to understand expected behavior.
- Ask questions. Clarifying misunderstandings helps prevent bigger issues. “Do I understand this correctly?” is a useful phrase.
- Normalize anxiety. Feeling uneasy is part of the process. Remind yourself it’s temporary.
- Laugh at mistakes. Most missteps are harmless. Showing humor and openness encourages friendship and support.
- Stay healthy. Regular exercise, sleep and a balanced diet boost your capacity to adapt.
- Build a support system. Connect with a U.S. mentor or experienced international student. Share experiences—it really helps.
Will I lose my own culture?
Many international students worry about losing their culture while adapting to life in the United States. Don’t worry—it’s nearly impossible to lose the culture you grew up with. In fact, learning about a new culture often deepens your appreciation for your own.
Embrace being bicultural
Adapting to a new culture doesn’t mean giving up your identity. It means gaining the ability to function in two cultural environments. This skill will help you succeed academically, socially and professionally.
Small wins lead to big success
Just as culture shock builds gradually, so does cultural adaptation. Each positive interaction helps you feel more comfortable. Over time, practices that once seemed strange will feel familiar. You’ll settle in, enjoy your experience and regain your sense of humor.