-
Take advantage of
opportunities to hang out with the people of your host country.
-
Be able to detach
yourself from an uncomfortable situation and understand why it bothers
you instead of taking it personally.
-
Realize that you can
always learn something more. But if you need a time out or personal time,
that's OK, as long as it is not too much or running away.
-
Go with an open mind and
not a lot of expectations. What you are expecting may not be a reality.
-
Recognize your comfort
levels and be willing to lower them. Other people in the world do not
live as Americans do. Be accepting of what you might consider to be less.
-
Learn what you can of the
local language and when they point out a mistake, don't take it
personally.
-
Take each question that
people ask you as an opportunity to teach them more about your country
and culture. Remember, you know more about the US than they do. Tell
them what is great about your culture but also hear their side of the
story and learn from it.
-
Even if you think you
know the culture you are setting out for, don't expect to be perfect.
-
Having previously studied
abroad does not mean you are immune to culture shock.
-
Take Cross-cultural
Training 1 seriously and research your country before you go.
-
Try your best to be
informed and present yourself as such in a polite manner.
-
Put aside some money to
buy those few but essential accessories that will help you fit in to the
host culture--and buy them there.
-
Prior to going abroad,
learn as much as possible about the culture, political system and every
other aspect of life there.
-
Don't hang out with
Americans unless they can help you meet natives.
-
Get out of your comfort
zone and try new things and don't worry about what people will think.
-
Don't just act as if
everything is wrong just because it is not what you are used to.
-
Don't look at mistakes as
failure, just look at them as opportunities to learn and grow.
-
Don't let emotions stop
you from experiencing as much as possible.
-
Spend as much time as
possible interacting with the people instead of closing yourself off.
-
Get out and explore your
surroundings.
-
The world won't end when
you make a mistake: accept that you'll feel foolish and look stupid a
lot.
-
Learn
the geography of the country before you go.
