2.1 Culture Shock

The School of Education recommends that the Teacher Candidate allocates 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 student teaching.

Student Teaching in a new land offers wonderful opportunities to grow spiritually, intellectually, and globally. The cultural exchange experienced during student teaching can be life changing. Upon arrival in the host country, a Teacher Candidate may experience a number of new and unique sights, sounds, smells, and customs. As a result, one may experience a period of adjustment known as “culture shock.”

The US Department of State indicates (in paraphrase):

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 when the novelty of the new country fades. Symptoms typically disappear 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 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.

Though the degree of culture shock varies from person-to-person, the Teacher Candidate can be proactive in minimizing the effects of being in a novel environment. A vital element in coping with culture shock is keeping in mind why one decided to accept this experience and challenge during Student Teaching. Additionally, Teacher Candidates should find ways to gain a deeper appreciation for their new culture and home by applying 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 host school. Attend church services.
• Keep a journal of your feelings and observations.
• Stay in touch with friends and family via Zoom or email.
• Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
• Remember your goals and all the reasons you decided to explore International Student Teaching!