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Cultural Adjustment

Cultural Adjustment. With… The Woodbridge Board 2007-2008. Board Introduction. “ Culture Shock ”. Symptoms: Sadness, loneliness, melancholy Insomnia, narcolepsy Change in appetite (both ways) Loss of identity, feeling lost Lack of confidence, feeling inadequate Homesickness. Allie.

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Cultural Adjustment

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  1. Cultural Adjustment With… The Woodbridge Board 2007-2008

  2. Board Introduction

  3. “Culture Shock” • Symptoms: • Sadness, loneliness, melancholy • Insomnia, narcolepsy • Change in appetite (both ways) • Loss of identity, feeling lost • Lack of confidence, feeling inadequate • Homesickness Allie

  4. Stages of Culture Shock • 1. “Honeymoon” stage - everything is new and exciting • 2. Difficult stage - symptoms arise • 3. Adaptation stage - get adjusted • 4. Acceptance stage - integration • 5. “Re-entry shock” stage - cultural adjustment the other way around! Becca

  5. How to Fight It • Keep busy, be active • Count your blessings, stay confident • Be patient, be constructive • Don’t try too hard • Open yourself to new possibilities • Keep in touch with home • Seek support and advice Majla

  6. Reverse Culture Shock • You’ll find yourself changed when you next go home -- but that’s what education is all about! • Open up new connections to alums • Help people at home to also come study abroad! (Harvard Admissions Office presentations) Manisha

  7. American Culture • Open in personal expression • Yet closed in some areas (manners, rules of behavior important) • Ease but sometimes transience of friendships • Frankness and honesty • Culture of help (advisors, therapists) • Concept of time - rushed existence Or

  8. Differences • Greetings: The “How are you?” line • Personal Space • Weather (cold winters) • Food Nadim

  9. Get Used To… • U.S. Spelling. They grade you for it in Expos! • When writing numbers: -7- vs. 7 • Using ‘.’ and ‘,’ in #s: 1,360 vs. 36.5% • Writing dates: Month/Day/Year. 11/1/87 is Nov. 1, not Jan. 11. • Refer to handout (conversions, money) Allegra

  10. Social Etiquette • Tipping: 15%. “Service sector” jobs depend on tipping. Leave cash on table, or write into credit card charge. • Waiters/waitresses, cab drivers, hairdressers/barbers, bellboys/luggage carriers. • RSVPing is important • Thank-you notes for recommendation letters Allie

  11. American Holidays • October: Columbus Day, Halloween • November: Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving (Woodbridge celebrates!) • December: Christmas, Hanukkah • January: New Year’s (celebrated on the eve), MLK Day • February: Valentine’s Day • April: April Fool’s Day • May: Mother’s Day • June: Father’s Day • July: Independence Day Allegra

  12. Identity • New aspects to your identity added by studying abroad • Experience as a dual-citizen or American in the international community Becca

  13. Harvard Culture • Fast-paced, busy • Many acquaintances • Great opportunities means great opportunity cost • Learn to step back from the “Harvard bubble,” put problems in perspective Majla

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