presented by Kim Hays and Gail Trimpe Morrow Student Counseling Services

  About Culture Shock  U.S. Culture Tips / Observations  Resources at Student Counseling Services  Questions you hope we address? Overview

  Feeling of disorientation experienced when you are exposed to an unfamiliar culture, way of life or attitudes.  Symptoms may include:  Feeling Disoriented  Confused or Anxious  Sleep Difficulties  Digestive Difficulties What is Culture Shock

  Stress from not knowing what to expect  Developing a new perspective  On yourself  On others  On the environment What is Culture Shock

  Stress that cues you rely on to guide your behavior are gone!  Your values are not valued by others  Feelings of anxiety, depression, or hostility  “Idealizing” how things were back home Signs of Culture shock

  Honeymoon  Overwhelmed  Reintegration  Balancing  Increasing Comfort Unfolding in Stages

  Honeymoon – curious and excited to learn more  Overwhelmed – Missing familiar cues to guide behavior. Feeling inadequate, blaming self  Reintegration - Begin picking up the new cues! Feeling annoyed with new culture Unfolding in Stages

  Balancing - Beginning to see both the good and bad in both your home culture and your new culture  Increasing Comfort - Feeling comfortable and fluent in both cultures Unfolding in Stages

 Coping  Be patient with yourself  Learn some things about the culture: HANDOUT  Reach out to others in the environment  Use Student Counseling Services

 Student Counseling Services

 Phone:  Free, Confidential  Ask for an INITIAL APPOINTMENT  Some paperwork, then meet with a counselor.  Group Therapy  Individual Counseling  Brief Structured groups for Meditation, Anxiety, Depression

 Student Counseling Services counseling.illinoisstate.edu/outreach/voices.shtml