Culture shock is the personal disor

Culture shock is the personal disorientation a person may feel when experiencing an unfamiliar way of life due to immigration or a visit to a new country, a move between social environments, or simply travel to another type of life.[1] One of the most common causes of culture shock involves individuals in a foreign environment. Culture
Leaving home and travelling to study in a new country can be a stressful experience. Even though it may
be something you have planned and prepared for, the extent of the change and the effects it has on you
may take you by surprise. If you find that you are surprised by the effects of the change, it might be
helpful to realise that your experience is quite normal. This applies whatever country you come from, and
wherever you are going to study, even though some cultures are more similar than others because of
geographic, historic, demographic and other connections.


It is important to stress that culture shock is entirely normal, usually unavoidable and not a sign that you
have made a mistake or that you won’t manage. In fact there are very positive aspects of culture shock.
The experience can be a significant learning experience, making you more aware of aspects of your own
culture as well as the new culture you have entered. It will give you valuable skills that will serve you in
many ways now and in the future and which will be part of the benefit of an international education.