Four Stages of Cultural Adaptation

ISSS services for this stage include:

• Welcome (back) appointments in first month of classes
• Referring students to appropriate resources
• Counseling Center
• Academic Affairs
• Student Affairs
• Connecting them with other students from their home country
• RSOs
• Interest groups
• Community organizations
• Programming to demystify and learn about American culture

Counseling Center

• Initial Appointments are scheduled on a same-day basis
• Call 217-333-3704 starting at 7:50am to schedule an appointment for later that day (call early; we fill up quickly)
• Location: 2nd Floor of Turner Student Services Building (610 East John Street)
• Contact: (217) 333-3704
• CONFIDENTIAL, FREE (covered by Health Service Fee)

For more information, check the Counseling Center website: http://counselingcenter.illinois.edu/

Four Stages of Cultural Adaptation

Adaptation

Honeymoon

• Not only retain allegiance to your home culture
• But also "feel at home" in the US
• Adjusted to norms and standards of the University

• Initial enthusiasm, fascination
• Positive attitude
• Lots of energy
• Excitement
• "Dreams come true"

Common Experiences of the Honeymoon Stage

• Eager to please
• Nod or smile
• People think you understand
• In fact, you did not understand

Misunderstandings build up and you move into the second stage...

Common Experiences of the Adaptation Stage

• More adventurous
• Seek new learning opportunities
• Try out new approaches
• Feel more motivated
• Seek the company of others
• Desire to explore

Go Illini! You did it!

Gradual Recovery /

Adjustment

Sense of Satisfaction

• Sense of humor returns
• Routines established
• Energy comes back
• Feel constructive and useful
• Less judgemental

Common Experiences of

Adjustment Stage

• Interested in surroundings
• Ask more questions
• Make more friends
• Able to manage the size and complexity of the University

Laugh at minor misunderstandings

and mistakes!

Culture Shock / Crisis

Tips for moving out of the Culture Shock/Crisis Stage

• Realize that you are possibly in this stage of cultural adjustment
• Realize that it is normal for everyone to go through it
• Talk to someone from your own country
• Meet Americans
• Join a club or organization (RSO)
• Put things into perspective
• Discuss your concerns with an ISSS advisor!
• We can help you talk through your concerns and refer you to the appropriate campus resources!

• Discouraged
• Tired
• Frustrated with self
• Fear and mistrust
• Homesick
• Negative feelings of others
• Bored
• Stressed
• Confused
• Angry

Typical Challenges of Culture Shock/Crisis Stage

• Physical sickness
• Anger over minor frustrations
• Lack of motivation
• Skip classes or important gatherings
• Academic and social problems begin

How do I get out of this stage?

Source: University of Illinois, Study Abroad Office

http://studyabroad.illinois.edu/resources/

during/stages_adjustment.aspx

Time in Host Country