The School of Education recommends that the Student Teacher allocate additional travel days to the host country to account for time change, acclimation to surroundings, and meeting with the host, prior to the beginning of the Student Teaching Assignment.
Student Teaching in a foreign land offers wonderful opportunities to grow spiritually, intellectually, and globally. The cultural exchange experienced during the Student Teaching assignment can be life changing on many levels. Upon arrival to the host country, a Student Teacher may experience a number of sights, sounds, smells, and customs that are altogether new and unique. As a result, the Student Teacher may experience a period of adjustment known as “culture shock.”
Culture Shock Outline of the Process | |
Fun | Discovery (Similar and/or Satisfying) |
Flight | Avoidance (Different and Alarming) |
Fight | Anger (Different and Bad) Mockery (Different and Foolish) |
Fit | Acceptance (Different but Okay) Understanding (Different but Reasonable) Creativity (Different but Open to “Living”) |
The United States State Department indicates that (http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/19792.pdf).
Culture shock is the physiological and psychological stress experienced when a traveler is suddenly deprived of old, familiar cues—language, customs, etc. Both the seasoned traveler and the first-timer, whether in transit or taking up residence, are susceptible. The sensation may be severe or mild, last months or only hours, strike in a remote village or in a modern European city, in one country, but not another—or not at all.
Culture shock is most prevalent in the second or third month after arrival when the novelty of the new country fades. Symptoms typically disappear by the fourth to sixth month, when a person has settled in and a sense of equilibrium is restored. Traveler disorientation is a form of culture shock. You may encounter so many strange sounds, sights, and smells upon arrival in a country new to you that you may be more vulnerable to accidents or crime. You may experience this disorientation on a fast-paced business trip to several different cultures.
You can combat traveler disorientation by gathering, in advance, information of a practical nature—knowing the routine at the airport, which taxis are recommended, knowing the exchange rate, etc. Pay particular attention to any host nation cultural behavior, which may affect your security or safety.
As with any type of stress, culture shock may manifest itself both physically and emotionally. If you should experience it at a time when you need to be alert to security concerns, your awareness could be impaired. But if you understand it, you can successfully deal with it. (p. 29)
Though the degree of culture shock varies from person to person, the Student Teacher can be proactive in minimalizing some of the effects of being in a new environment. A vital element in coping with culture shock is keeping in mind why s/he decided to accept this experience and challenge during Student Teaching. Additionally, Student Teachers should try to find ways to gain a deeper appreciation for their new culture and home through some of the following ideas:
- Continually ask yourself, "What road am I on? A road to acceptance, trust and adaptability, OR, fear, rejection and cultural arrogance?"
- Remember, cultural acceptance enhances the Student Teaching experience and an individual’s adjustment while abroad.
- Get out and see the new surroundings (visit museums, parks, major sites, local markets, and events).
- Meet new people at the school (teachers, administrators, students); the more people you meet from the country, the more you can master the language and culture.
- Get involved in assisting with school activities at the placement school. Attend church services.
- Keep a journal of your feelings and observations.
- Stay in touch with friends and family via Skype or email.
- Remember your goals. Remember all the reasons you decided to explore International Student Teaching!