Yes, you read it right. It is all about keeping your emotions under control to manage the ups and downs you might have to face during your ‘study abroad’ tenure. Studying abroad is not just about managing finances and clearing up entrance examinations. It extends to a lot more than that. Though the excitement of stepping into a new country can keep you high spirited, it is important to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the intercultural experience.

Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and valuable experiences of your life. It is, however a difficult task to overcome homesickness and culture shock.

Culture Shock

Culture shock is the outburst of your emotions in the form of anger, frustration and confusion when you are exposed to a new culture. Everything would have seemed comfortable to you in the host country. You might face difficulties in accustoming to the new place in every way. The mixed emotions in the adapting process are commonly known as culture shock.

How to Overcome Culture Shock

1. Be Open Minded – You should be open enough to accept the new environment, culture and people in every way. Do not perceive anything about the place as it will create a negative impact. When you have a positive outlook towards the place, you can adapt to its culture at the earliest.

2. Try to Learn the Local Language – Though it is not possible to master a foreign language easily, make efforts to learn a bit of it. Learning the local language will help you in interacting with the community in a better way.

3. Mingle with People – Make efforts to get along with people. Only then you will feel that you belong there. Be polite and congenial to make good friends. When you have a group to mingle with, you can get rid of solitude and depression.

4. Engage Yourself – Establish a routine to keep you occupied all through the day. Involve in activities like reading, listening to music and traveling to keep up your spirits. When you have things to do, you will have less time to get depressed.

5. Watch Yourself – Think twice before you speak and do things as the new culture might not be receptive to whatever you do. Some activities might seem to be offensive to the natives. Do continuous research to understand their culture better.

Getting adapted to the new place can be challenging; but, you can make it as the best experience when you handle your emotions in the right way.