Cultural Shock Reflection: Studying in Canada

Culture Shock means the “trauma” that an individual experience when they move from their home culture to a different culture. This causes uncertainty that can be very stressful. There are five stages of culture shock: The honeymoon stage, Crisis stage, Adjustment stage, Acceptance or Adaptation stage, and Reentry shock. The effect is always different for different individuals.

When I planned to go abroad for my further studies, I was a little worried that how things going to work for me. I prepared myself for the same and gave my IELTS and started to apply for the courses at different colleges related to my under graduation. Then I got the offer letter from Conestoga College for Global Hospitality course and I was overwhelmed to get into this school. My mother was the one who was so worried to send me alone to a new country as she is over possessive about me. Then I applied for my study visa, and the opportunity which I received was that my course included mandatory co-op which was going to be an advantage for me in my career. Then, after receiving my visa everyone was happy and then I got here.

It took me one month to be comfortable in this new culture, new environment, new people. At first, it was a little difficult for me to make friends because I was always with my family for past 20 years and I have never been alone doing everything. Here, I had to make my own food, do my college assignments, find a part time job to earn money for my fees and for living. It took me a month to make good friends and three months to get a job. It was a hard time for me because I was always surrounded by my family members. The first month was the most difficult one for me. I used to cry alone in my room, feel lonely all the time. But, fortunately, I am very happy now and want to explore this culture with more interest and enthusiasm.

I came across some of the features of education in Canada and subsequently began to notice how it was starting to affect my mental and physical state. The major symptoms which I felt in the first month of being in Canada the most are: homesickness, irritability, excessive sleep, family tension and conflict, loss of ability to work effectively, psychometric illness, boredom, unexplainable fits of weeping.

I personally experienced the first four stages of culture shock that are present. The honeymoon stage- fascination and excitement with the new culture; Crisis period- excitement turned into disappointment; Adjustment phase- begin to accept the new culture and involve themselves in the activities of the new culture; Adaptation or acceptance phase- feel at home in the new culture.

I personally learned many new things in this new country with a new culture. I learned how to earn money for yourself, how to be independent and do studies and job together. I learned how to make good friends and adapt myself into a new culture with all the positive and negative aspects of life.

I would preferably tell others that they should always remain in a good company and never overpower anyone on themselves. Always be optimistic and cross all the hurdles with happiness and with a positive mindset. If you experience cultural shock in your life being in a new culture always cope up with good thoughts, like non-acceptance of the host culture; substitution; addition of behavior of the host culture; synthesis of two different cultures and resynthesis that means integration of ideas found in either culture.