Life in Bloomington may be different from your home town.

It might be a minor difference in expression or dress, or you may find major differences in language, culture, and behavior. Adjusting to IU and the United States can be challenging at times, but there are a variety of support services to help you make a smooth transition.

International students who have successfully navigated this transition often advise that you take initiative and be proactive. Seek additional information or help if you are unsure of yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask questions–students, staff, and faculty are hospitable and usually willing to help. Social media and email can also be a resource as you ask questions.

Culture Shock

People often experience disorientation, confusion, and a cycle of emotions when they move to a different culture. There is no timetable for this cycle; sometimes the emotions occur simultaneously, or one at a time. Everyone experiences culture shock differently. However, experts have identified some distinct emotional phases that individuals living abroad commonly experience: excitement, frustration, and acceptance and fulfillment.

Excitement

Everything is new and there are few problems or identified challenges. The main feeling is one of exhilaration at being overseas after a long period of anticipation. Be sure to involve yourself in the IU community at this time and develop a wide network of new friends. Joining student organizations can introduce you to like-minded people and new friends. A support network can help you navigate through negative emotions you might experience during your transition.

Frustration

Once enough time has passed for you to familiarize yourself with the new culture, disillusionment may begin to set in. The difficulties that are an inevitable part of adjusting may seem to outweigh any sense of potential achievement. This is a normal reaction that most people operating in a new culture will experience. Being immersed in a new culture can be frustrating and difficult to cope with, but it usually becomes easier as your cultural comfort level increases.

Acceptance and Fulfillment

Fulfillment stems from a personal realization that your new environment, in all its aspects, is unlikely to change much. For a positive transition, you need to adapt to your new environment and learn to operate within its culture. This may result in some cultural compromises, but it will also help you understand that conflicts can be worked out and there is great potential for success and happiness during your time abroad.

Coping Strategies for Culture Shock

1. Timely Care

   • Indiana students have FREE, 24/7 access to virtual care services with TimelyCare — the virtual health and well-being platform from TimelyCare, designed for college students. Students do not need insurance to access TimelyCare services.

2. Stay Active

   • If it is an option for you, physical exercise can keep your mood up, so try to stay active. Bloomington has many public parks and trails, and campus offers beautiful scenery for a walk or jog.

3. Stay Social

   • Socialize and make new friends in Bloomington. Establishing a new social network is important. However, it’s also important to stay in touch with your friends and family back home.

4. Seek help

   • If you are having a hard time–or if you just want some extra support–IU has resources to support you during this transition
     • Center for Human Growth: Speak with one of the counsel-ors at the Center for Human Growth, located in the Wright Education Building on campus. Their fees are always voluntary and counseling is available in various languages.
     • Counseling and Phsychological Services: CAPS counseling services are provided at no charge to all IU students who have paid the student health fee. CAPS can also help you find an off-campus counselor if you want more frequent counseling.