International students > Health and Safety > Culture Shock

Culture Shock

What is Culture Shock?

Culture Shock is the name given to a feeling of disorientation or confusion that often occurs when a person leaves a familiar place and moves to an unfamiliar place. The reaction may be both physical and psychological, and some students will probably at some point ask themselves why they chose to leave their familiar surroundings. It is important then to remember that it is a learning process, and that most students will return with greater self-confidence and the ability to manage in an intercultural environment.

Why you may experience Culture Shock

When you arrive in Denmark, you will no doubt encounter a multitude of new things. The food is not the same as it is at home, and familiar greetings such as 'hello' and 'good day', 'thanks' and 'how are you doing', may suddenly give completely different responses than the ones you are used to. People talk in a strange language and look different. University rules are different, and the way of studying may appear strange and difficult. Even though things seem very similar, they may not be, and suddenly everyday routine and simple actions become difficult and frustrating. It is often small differences that are most frustrating, as you think you know how to behave/do things, but you get a strange response. Your family and friends are very far away.

Stages you may go through

Research has shown that culture shock often develops in different stages:

Arrival/ “Honeymoon” Stage: Everything is new and exciting 
Culture Shock Stage: You start to experience difficulties with everyday things, as they are different from home, such as the language barrier, getting the right food etc.
Adapting Stage: You slowly start to understand the new culture and feel more in balance. You feel an urge to belong 
Re-entry Shock Stage: This stage takes place when you return to your home country and suddenly find out that you have brought back something with you, namely something that suddenly makes you see your own culture with more critical eyes. This can be difficult to come to terms with. 

Symptoms

To minimise the effect of culture shock it is important to acknowledge the existence of it, and to know and pay attention to the symptoms, as well as to keep in mind that it is occurring as part of a learning process. Some of the typical symptoms of culture shock are:

• Boredom, loneliness
• Allergies, pain
• Obsession with own health
• Sleeplessness, excessive need of sleep
• Mood changes, depression, powerlessness
• Anger, animosity against other people
• Identification and idealisation of home culture 
• Trying to absorb everything within the new culture too fast
• Not capable of solving even the most simple problems
• Loss of self confidence and insecurity 
• Development of stereo-types in the new culture
• Strong longing for family and friends back home
• Feeling overlooked 

Dealing with Culture Shock

If you experience some of the above symptoms and have a sudden feeling of loneliness or sadness, here are some ideas that may be helpful in dealing with culture shock:

• Accept that you cannot know everything about the new country and the language, and if it is overwhelming, take a break. 
  Keep an open mind – People in Denmark may say or do things that people at home would not do or say. But the people in Denmark act according to their own set of values, not yours. Try to avoid evaluating their behaviour using the standards you would use in your own country.
• Try to do things that you did at home, listen to your favourite music and/or eat familiar food.
• Stay in touch with family and friends at home. 
• Talk to a friend about your feelings. 
• Stay active – physical activity often helps! 
• Learn from experience – moving to a new culture can be the most fascinating and educational experience of your life. There is no better way to become aware of your own values and attitudes or to broaden your point of view.

Where to seek Help

However, this may not be enough, and you are always welcome to come and talk to the staff at the International Office. Talking things through with one of the advisors can help in achieving a perspective on culture shock, and the learning possibilities it implies.

Another possibility is to contact the student counselling, Studenterrådgivningen. Please be aware that the waiting time for a consultation with Studenterrådgivningen is up to 2-3 weeks but you can always get a consultation in a critical situation.

You can also contact your personal doctor and set up an appointment. In case you are experiencing a very strong feeling of sadness, and cannot see your way out of it, you should immediately contact lægevagten (emergency medical service) to make an appointment. They are open everyday from 16 to 8 the following morning and 24 hours on weekends and holidays. If you live in the municipality of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg or on Amager the telephone number is 70 13 00 41. If you live in the greater area of Copenhagen, call 44 53 44 00.

You can also contact the psychiatric emergency ward directly for counselling.