Student Bloggers

I of course had heard about culture shock many times before I stepped on the plane to go 8,219 miles (about 13227.2 km) away from home. For some reason I wasn’t expecting to be affected by it, as if I were immune to feeling strange in a new place (spoiler alert, I’m not). You may have some or all the same feelings as I did before and during the first week of studying abroad so I would like to share some things that I did to make me feel better. 

1.  Make friends 

It is easier said than done, especially if you are an introvert like me. While I did not feel any culture shock during orientation, it is incredibly important to make connections during that time, no matter how small, as they will grow as the days and weeks progress. To be honest, I did not “find my tribe” immediately during orientation. In fact, it was not until we arrived in our study abroad city, Wellington, that I started to become closer with the other students. That first step into the unfamiliar city made us stick closer together as we went shopping together, explored, and went to campus for the first time. It may take longer for someone to make friends (like me) but keep reaching out to others to make plans or join in on other students’ activities.  

2.  Join a club 

You will hear this a lot when it comes to combating culture shock but that is because it works, at least for me. Victoria University has a lot of clubs to choose from, some are about things I have never done before, like rowing, while others I have experience in, like rugby and tramping (hiking). The first club that I joined was the rugby club as it ticked off a few boxes that would help me acclimate better. Firstly, it is a sport I have played before and want to learn more about. Second, it includes physical activity which in turn helps my mental well-being. Third, it is THE sport to play in New Zealand. While you should try new things while abroad, you can stick to what you know during the first few weeks to help you adjust to your new life. 

3.  Go outside 

The outdoors was definitely a deciding factor on me coming to New Zealand, so making the most of it is important, especially in windy Wellington. You will often hear or see the phrase tacked on to an Instagram post, “You can’t beat Welly on a good day,” and that is true (just beware of the windy days, especially if you have long hair). If you need some extra encouragement to go outside when you are feeling blue and homesick, joining a club, or reaching out to the other study abroad students is a great way to do it.  

4.  Do familiar things 

The primary reason for feeling culture shock is because everything is different, so finding a sense of normalcy and familiarity can help. Whether that be sticking to a certain routine like making your bed in the morning, watching a comfort show (mine is Criminal Minds), or listening to your favorite playlist, these small things are a way to bring home with you. As you slowly adjust you will be able to broaden your horizons and try new things. 

5.  Talk to someone 

While you may feel like Chuck Nolan in Cast Away, you do not need to resort to making a Wilson to feel less alone. While abroad you have a great network of people who are cheering you on as well as other study abroad students who are going through the same feelings as you (no matter how well they cover it up). If you need ideas of what to do or someone to talk to, reach out to your assigned staff or make plans with other students. It may seem daunting to type something into the group chat with worries of no one responding but do it anyway. Chances are, there is someone else who wants to do the exact same thing that you want to do! While these tips may distract you and help you gain confidence during your time abroad, you can still call or text home to see how things are going.  

This is just a short list of some of the things that helped me during the first week in my new city. Feel free to try these out and adjust them to better suit what you need. Keep in mind that culture shock can change just as quickly as Wellington’s weather. You may have ups and downs throughout the day as well as throughout the week and or the month. Take it one day at a time and you will soon be an expert in your new city!  

Safe travels,  

Maya