Navigating through a difference in culture
By Sri, from India, studying MLA Landscape Architecture.
Hello, I’m Sri, an international student from India in my second year studying Landscape Architecture at the University of Edinburgh. Here’s a bit about my experience with cultural shock and some tips for managing it while adjusting to life in a foreign country.
Studying abroad is one of the most exciting and transformative experiences, but it also comes with its challenges. As a student from India, the cultural shock I experienced upon arriving in Edinburgh was unexpected, but it also played a big part in my growth. Adjusting to a new academic system, social environment, and daily life felt overwhelming at times, but I quickly learned how to navigate these changes.
The communication gap
One of the first things I noticed was how different communication styles could be. Back home, conversations were more informal and often accompanied by body language. The English that we speak in India has a slower pace and a particular accent that I was used to. Here, the way people communicate is totally different. It’s all in English with a faster pace and a different accent which certainly took some time for me to get used to it, adapt and communicate more effectively.
Adjusting to new food and mealtimes
Another huge adjustment was the food. Back home, my daily meals were an important part of my culture, filled with the flavours and spices I loved. But here, the food was quite different. I spent my first few weeks searching for familiar ingredients and trying DIY dishes with what I had.
I also had to plan new mealtimes as I had to adjust everything according to my work and schedules, most importantly because I can’t expect the kind of support I get back at home.
Cooking together with my flatmates really helped me. I made good friends and explored new cuisines. We celebrated festivals of all cultures and cooked our own cuisines and had great feasts, like a multi-cuisine thanksgiving dinner on Christmas eve.
Navigating the academic system
Academically, the differences were also notable. Back home, the education system was of a different type, but here, the system demands more interaction, has different grading schemes and a more research-oriented practical approach to get the most out of us.
Initially, this was intimidating. But gradually, I came to appreciate this approach and started to enjoy the experience, which pushed me to think critically and become more confident in my academic abilities. I now enjoy the freedom to explore different viewpoints and contribute my ideas in class.
The struggle with social norms
Social norms were another area where I experienced cultural shock. In my home country, physical closeness was common among friends and even acquaintances. However, here, personal space is highly valued.
At first, I unintentionally crossed boundaries, like standing too close to someone during a conversation, which led to awkward moments. It took time to understand and respect the local expectations of personal space, but as I adapted, I found it easier to navigate social interactions and form connections.
Dealing with loneliness
One of the hardest aspects of adjusting to life abroad was the feeling of loneliness. I had always been surrounded by family and friends, and suddenly, I was alone in a new country. Making friends was more difficult than I expected, and cultural differences sometimes created barriers in forming close relationships.
However, I found solace in joining student societies that are a part of the university and attending cultural events where I could meet other international students and also students with similar interests as me.
I was a part of Hindu society, Architecture Society, Movie society and others too, where I found people with similar interests and made good friends. Going out and exploring the city during the festive times also helped me see the beautiful side of exploring a new culture.
Top tips for managing cultural shock
Adjusting to life in a new country doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are a few tips that helped me:
Be patient with yourself
The transition takes time, and it’s okay to feel disoriented. Being patient with myself helped a lot when I felt very disoriented and out of place in the first few days. Trying to interact with people and finding places that were associated with my culture (food, places of worship, restaurants, etc.) helped me a lot during this time.
Get involved
Joining clubs or attending events, especially during the early weeks can help you meet new people and learn more about the local culture. This also provides an opportunity to connect with other students who are going through similar experiences. I joined various Indian Societies and Asian societies to keep in touch with my culture, but I was also part of those societies that interested me like movie club and architecture society.
Try to get out of the bubble
You might find peers who share a similar culture as you, but that doesn’t mean you interact only with them. Once you settle in right, I would recommend interacting with peers from other cultures as well. Only then would you know about the beauty of other cultures and that no one is as different from the other.
Keep in touch with home
Regular calls with family and friends can help ease feelings of homesickness and provide emotional support. I regularly call people back in India and my friends who are in other countries, to have occasional chats with them.
Ask questions
Don’t be afraid to seek help if you’re unsure about something. Locals are usually more than happy to share their knowledge and help you adjust. Being a student in the university, you can be a part of social media groups to know what is happening, express your opinions, ask questions and from my experience, I would say people are very helpful in this regard.
In conclusion, studying abroad is more than just an academic journey; it’s a chance to discover new cultures, challenge yourself, and grow. It might not always be easy, but the rewards of living in a different culture are worth the effort. Embrace the challenges, and soon you’ll find that what once felt unfamiliar will become your new normal.
