TOP 8 TIPS TO DECREASE CULTURAL SHOCKS WHEN STUDENTS GO ON A MOBILITY ABROAD (target group students)
Introduction
When taking part in international mobilities you can’t avoid cultural shocks. Looking at pictures, visiting the place on holiday or looking at movies is completely different than spending weeks working in a foreign city and country without your family and friends there.
Remember that the feeling of loneliness is natural, even if you are surrounded by people. It might be your first time experiencing time away from home, being responsible for yourself, and making new friends etc.
The knowledge of cultural etiquette and norms will help you prepare for the mobility. It will not remove the cultural shocks entirely, but you will be better prepared to face them when you know that it is very natural to experience cultural shocks.
Even though we have not included it in our top 8 tips, a little knowledge of the language of the city/country where you will stay will always help you integrate easier into your new surroundings. It is important to be aware that certain words can have different meanings depending on whether you’re from northern or southern countries. For example, in northern countries, the afternoon begins after 12 o’clock, while in southern countries, it generally begins after 4 o’clock.
The usefulness of the tips below is to provide you with increased cultural awareness and sensitivity, to improve communication, to help overcome culture shocks, to adapt to different educational and/or working systems and to help build intercultural competences. This will help you understand social etiquette, minimise stereotyping and prejudice, to encourage ethical responsibility and to enhance your adaptability and flexibility.
Pre-departure
- 1. Online meetings before the mobility period starts
Ask your international coordinator to arrange an online meeting with your hosting organisation/company. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions face to face. This will allow you to ask questions like, “What is the dress code?” or “How does a typical work day look like?” By seeing and speaking with the host, you will feel more at ease when you arrive, as the face-to-face introduction makes it feel less intimidating.
- 2. Peer support
Arrange a meeting with students who have completed a similar Erasmus+ mobility so that you can ask them about how they handled home sickness, or cultural quirks like different mealtimes or how work breaks are taken. Learning from their experiences will help you better anticipate the challenges you might face. 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. Tutorials and informative videos
There are a lot of videos, podcasts and other similar online tutorials that give you information and knowledge about the country, culture etc. available online. Take time to get familiar with these. For instance, if you are going to Spain, you might find videos explaining the typical workday or how to navigate public transport useful. However, keep in mind that everyone’s experience is different, so stay open to having your own unique experience when you arrive.
- 4. 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, to get a feel for the culture. This will help you familiarise yourself with local customs, humour, and language. The more you know about the country/region, the easier it will be for you to settle in.
- 5. Study the info package
Before you leave for your mobility you will most likely get an information package with important information about the country you are visiting. Read through all materials given to you, such as a handbook or online resources from your host organisation. These might include essential information on local customs, safety tips, and transport options. Knowing this beforehand will reduce surprises and help you feel more prepared for daily life in the new country.
In your host country
- 6. 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. When you first arrive, give yourself at least 48 hours to settle in. Spend the first few days exploring your neighborhood, visiting the nearest supermarket, and simply walking around. It is normal to feel overwhelmed at first, but take things slow to allow yourself time to adapt to the new environment.
- 7. Be prepared for a cultural shock
No matter how much you prepare, cultural shocks like different mealtimes, personal space preferences, or work-life balance may still surprise you. For instance, if you are used to structured mealtimes and your host country has more flexible or late meal timings, recognise this as part of the cultural difference and know that it’s okay to feel unsettled at first. Acknowledging that you will experience cultural shocks will make it easier for you to deal with and overcome the cultural shocks when in the country.
- 8. Get familiar with the country
Once you arrive, be open-minded and willing to explore your new surroundings. Go out and explore the city or town where you are staying. Locate key places like the pharmacy, supermarkets, public transport stops and other things that interest you. Attend local events and try and meet as many new people as possible, visit different events and travel around the region where you are staying. The more you experience, the easier it will be to see the beauty in the country you are staying in.
