SRUC International Student Support | Scottish ways & customs

Culture shock

When you first move to the UK some social behaviours may confuse and surprise you. Even the most open-minded and culturally sensitive among us are not immune. There are four common stages in the process known as 'culture shock'

You might experience some or all of these stages of culture shock. The important thing is to remember that even the difficult and stressful stages are only temporary.

You can find more information about the culture shock and how to face it on here.

Stage 1: Honeymoon

Everything is exciting and new. You love the differences, meeting new people, tasting new foods and doing new things. This phase can last days, weeks, or months.

Stage 2: Crisis

This is the difficult period, during which some people reject the new culture and struggle to adapt. They focus on the differences and the negatives rather than the positives. There's no set time when this begins — with some people, it can be within days, with others, months.

Stage 3: Adjustment

At this stage, people begin to understand the culture better and develop routines. They begin to see aspects of the new culture with a more positive attitude.

Stage 4: Acceptance

During this phase, people start to participate more fully in new activities and feel at ease in the host culture. The person doesn't have to be in love with the new country (as in the honeymoon phase), but they can navigate it without anxiety or negativity.

What can I do to feel more ‘at home’ in the UK?

Understand that these feelings are normal, give yourself time.
Keeping in touch with home is an important part of living in a different country
Have familiar things around you that have personal meaning, such as photographs or ornaments.
Find a supplier of familiar food if you can.
Stay active, eat well, and get enough sleep.
Make friends with international students, whether from your own culture or from others, as they will understand what you are feeling and, if possible, make friends with the local students so you can learn more about each other’s culture.

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