TOP 8 TIPS TO DECREASE CULTURAL SHOCKS WHEN STUDENTS GO ON A MOBILITY ABROAD (target group students)
- 1. Online meetings before the mobility period starts
Ask your international coordinator to arrange an online meeting with your hosting organization/company. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions face to face. You will also know what the person hosting you looks like, which will make it less scary to go on the mobiity.
- 2. Peer support
Ask fellow students who have been on an Erasmus+ mobility. A meeting with these students will allow to learn about the cultural differences and how they managed to settle in their new surroundings. The students who have been on a mobility have firsthand experience of a mobility and they are happy to share their experiences with you
- 3. Give yourself time to adjust to your new surroundings
Moving abroad for a short period is a big step and change. Everything is new and strange. This is why it is important that you allow yourself at least 48 hours of getting used to the new surroundings.
- 4. Tutorials and informative videos
There are a lot of videos, podcasts and other similar online tutorials about that gives you information and knowledge about the country, culture etc available online. Take time to get familiar with these. However, remember that each experience is different so be prepared that you might react to things differently than those on the videos/tutorials you look at.
- 5. Books, films, TV series, podcasts about the host country
You might also want to look at films and tv series showcasing the country/region you are about to visit. You can also listen to podcast. The more you know about the country/region you are about the visit the easier it will be for you to settle in.
- 6. Be prepared for a cultural shock
No matter how well prepared you think you are to move to a foreign country, you can never entirely avoid cultural shocks. Acknowledging that you will experience cultural chocks will make it easier for you to deal and overcome the cultural chocks when in the country.
- 7. Get familiar with the country
Be open-minded and willing to explore your new surroundings. Try and meet as many new people as possible, visit different events and travel around the region where you are staying. Get to know the area where you are residing and working. Familiarize yourself with the location of supermarkets, pharmacies etc. The more you experience the easier it will be to see the beauty in the country you are staying in.
- 8. Study the info package
Before you leave for your mobility you will most likely get an info package with important information about the country you are visiting. Read that information carefully.
