What does research say about overcoming culture shock?

Part of my job as an English teacher was to prepare my students for studying abroad. I spent hours thinking about how I could prepare them academically for the rigors of international study, but the cultural aspect sometimes fell by the wayside. Remembering my own difficulties when I first moved to China back in 2017, I felt I could make a positive impact by seeing what research says about overcoming culture shock for international students, while also sharing some of my own experiences.

Adjusting to a new culture may be one of the most difficult things you can do. It’s not for the faint of heart. Everything is different—food, people, language, lifestyle. Even with the best preparation, many things will still catch you off guard. Research points to three important areas that affect how well you adapt to your new environment. Let’s explore them.

1. You need to make relationships

And not just with other people from your country. Making relationships with both locals and “co-nationals” (people from your home country) is important (Yuerong et al., 2017). It can be comforting to have someone to speak to in your first language, but making relationships with local people will help you better understand the culture and adjust.

It’s true that joining a community is hard. For introverted people like me, it takes a bit of bravery and extra effort. But research suggests a can-do attitude will go a long way. Don’t shy away from a problem. Think of a way to solve it.

One suggestion is to try the “dumbest thing that could work” and iterate from there. I like this solution. If I were studying abroad like my former students are, I would join a club or find an extracurricular activity. Do something—whatever it might be. Go to the recreation center or ask the help desk. Or your advisor. Or your peers or professors. Or even just ask anybody walking by. Most people would be glad to point you in the right direction.

If it were me, I might join a photography club, a writing club, or a music group. During my undergrad at Boise State, I was a member of four or five different music ensembles. I played trombone in low brass choir, euphonium (like a tiny tuba) in Symphonic Winds, and baritone in marching band. I would probably branch out and try a few more things if I could do it again.

Yes, I was a band geek. But the point is that being part of these ensembles helped me feel like I was part of a community. Without that, I’m sure my college experience would have been a lot less colorful. But it doesn’t matter what community you decide to join—the important thing is, as far as overcoming culture shock goes, is to join one.

2. You will need language skills to do that

Research has established that you should make an effort to make connections with people and join a local community. But the truth is that this takes language skills. In one research review, higher language proficiency was associated with lower stress (Zhang & Goodson, 2011). This is likely because it makes communication easier. You’ll have more opportunities to speak to people and an easier time interacting at a deeper level.

This was certainly true for me when I first moved to China. I already had a decent foundation for my Chinese, even though I was far from fluent. (I vividly remember feeling really dumb because I had no idea how to order baozi at a Qingfeng Baozi Pu.) If I hadn’t known Chinese, I wouldn’t have met any of my Chinese friends who didn’t speak English.

I met one of my good Chinese friends at a seedy back-alley pool hall, filled with smoke slithering silently about the room around the crashes of ceramic balls, glowing under the harsh fluorescent lights. It was never a place I thought I’d end up frequenting, but I’ve always been willing to try most things at least once.

It’s actually kind of funny how I ended up friends with him. I certainly wasn’t following the advice I’m writing in this article.

I was at the pool hall with some colleagues when this guy playing at the adjacent table started talking to me. “Where are you from?”

I looked at him, mouth open, words on the tip of my tongue. I had to decide: do I let him know I speak Chinese, or do I play dumb? I’d heard this same cold-call question dozens of times even after only a few months in China, and they rarely went anywhere.

My desire not to be impolite overcame my dread of conversation, and I answered him in Chinese. What I didn’t know is that this guy was special. There’s a pun that seems like it was made just for him: 自来熟 [zìlaí shoú], a play on the Chinese word for tap water that translates to “automatically familiar.” In English, I’d be inclined to describe him as damn gregarious (though my word choice is not nearly as smooth).

Before long, we had exchanged WeChat contacts and he was already making plans for stuff to do together. Looking back, I appreciate his warmth and kindness. He was my first and best Chinese friend, and he helped me navigate Beijing and Chinese culture in those early years. It was through him that I also met a lot of my other Chinese friends. Sometimes, even a single connection can go a long way toward helping you adjust.

3. Give it time

Even if you’ve got a good foundation in your second language, difficulties will be inevitable. Most people just can’t avoid feelings of homesickness. After all, when you move away, you’re leaving behind a strong support network of family and friends. Unfamiliar food can be hard to stomach. Many people I’d spoken to in China mentioned how greasy they felt the American diet was. They also felt like Americans didn’t seem to eat any of the vegetables they’re so good at growing.

Adjusting to the food can be hard enough. But when you add on the daily grind of uncertainty in every interaction—Oh shit, I have no idea what he just said. What do I do?—it all can make you question your life decisions.

You’re not alone. Nearly everyone who moves to a different country experiences these sorts of problems. The good news is that most of them get better with time. According to Zhang & Goodson’s (2011) review, several studies have shown that the worst feelings happen around three months after arrival. From there, it starts to get better.

So hang in there. When you can, lean on your friends back home, but make it a priority to meet people where you are. You’ll feel better faster, your language skills will get much better, and you’ll start to feel like maybe you could fit in here, after all.