American domestic regulations The cultural order of the country Its place among all countries

Culture Shock

The United States has a unique “melting pot” culture that combines customs from people from all over the world. As an InterExchange program participant, you’ll have one of the best opportunities to experience American culture by living and working in the U.S. and interacting with many different types of people. Many U.S. customs may seem odd or uncomfortably different from those of your home country. Being in a new and unfamiliar place can be challenging even for the experienced traveler, and feelings of isolation and frustration can occur. This is totally normal and is often described as culture shock.

Signs of Culture Shock

• 
  Feeling excessively homesick, resentful, tired, anxious, or isolated
  
• 
  Sleeping a lot
  
• 
  Writing or calling home very frequently
  
• 
  Crying a lot
  
• 
  Feeling resentful toward the new environment
  
• 
  Feeling anxious about your new job
  
• 
  Feeling reluctant to associate with new people or to speak English
  

Culture shock can happen suddenly, and it can make enjoying your new situation much more difficult. If you find yourself feeling out of place or sad, try to determine what the cultural differences are that are making you feel this way and consider a few different ways to overcome these feelings. It’s important to recognize that you’ll only feel this way for a limited amount of time and that you play a big role in how long it lasts. By overcoming culture shock, you’ll be better able to make the most of your experience in the United States.

Coping With Culture Shock

• 
  Keep an open mind and a sense of humor. While people in the U.S. may do or say things that people in your home country would not, that doesn’t mean they’re strange or unapproachable. Americans like to talk, laugh and makes jokes. Talk with your friends and your employer. They will be understanding and supportive. Try to make friends with other Americans as well as people from other countries. Try new things and take the cultural differences in stride.
  
• 
  Stay positive! Remember why you wanted to participate in the program in the first place. You came here to learn and experience life in the United States. This may be a once in a lifetime opportunity, so put yourself out there. Try to speak English as much as possible. It might be difficult at first, but with regular practice you will learn more.
  
•