Adjustment to a new situation or culture is an ongoing process. Students often experience some or all of the four stages of cultural adjustment.
Stage 1 - The Honeymoon Stage
The “dream” to study in the United States is coming true. There are fascinating new surroundings such as beautiful beaches, shopping malls and a wide variety of affordable restaurants. Because it is all new, note that this stage is characterized by excitement, anticipation and exhilaration. When students show enthusiasm by smiling or nodding, others may interpret that as understanding what is being said; be careful to avoid misunderstanding. Frustration may mount, leading to the second stage.
Stage 2 - Hostility/Frustration Stage
After the initial excitement, going to classes and speaking and listening to English every day can lead to weariness and frustration. Sleep patterns may be disrupted. Sometimes students suffer from indigestion or are unable to eat. Anger, anxiety and deep depression may set in. At this point, students may display hostility toward the new culture and want to reject the new environment.
For example, they sometimes lose interest in studying, criticize the food, and don’t want to follow rules and customs that are common in the new country. Academic problems may occur at this stage because of frustration, lack of interest, lack of motivation, absenteeism, fear and mistrust of Americans. This stage can be difficult and painful. Recognizing this stage and knowing that many visitors also experience these feelings can be very beneficial in moving on to the third stage of cultural adjustment.
Stage 3 - Humor Stage
This more relaxed stage occurs when students notice they can laugh at mistakes and misunderstandings. Students have made some friends, understand the courses, begin to pass tests and have become familiar with the institution and its services. Much of this is due to increased language development for both academic and social purposes.
Stage 4 - The Home Stage
By the fourth stage, students have begun to feel at home. They are happy to help other visitors adjust to life in the new culture and often translate for those who are newly arrived from their native countries. They share the lessons they have learned about daily life such as renting an apartment, shopping for food, buying a car and succeeding in their studies. In this final stage of adjustment, life seems “normal” again; although some rules may still seem unnecessary, students follow them and respect the customs of the culture in which they are living. Students are able to retain allegiance to their home cultures but also are comfortable with their “new” one.
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