Getting Started in Grad School: 5.3 Understanding Culture Shock

"Culture shock refers to the challenging process of adjusting to a new country or culture” (Student Wellness Centre, 2022). In other words, when immersed in a new environment, we find ourselves having to learn how other people navigate the world differently than us and adjust to these differences. These differences may be many or few, said or unsaid.

Watch the short video (0:44) below for insight into some of the differences – big and small - that students noticed after moving to Canada.  

Source: Interviewing International Students by Alexander College

While many differences will be immediately noticeable, the initial excitement of being in a new environment can delay feelings of culture shock. Often these reactions emerge after two or three months, once the newness of the experience has faded.  

Click on the plus signs (+) in the image below to develop your awareness of culture shock.

What does the phrase "double-culture shock" mean to you?

While all graduate students face an adjustment at the start of their studies, these adjustments are often greater for students who are studying in a different culture as academic norms can be quite distinct from one country to the next. International students must not only navigate the norms of a new country but of a new university too. This process of balancing two cultural adjustments simultaneously is sometimes referred to as “double-culture shock” (Roskell, 2013).   

Read about Shuxuan Zheng’s experience studying for her PhD in the Netherlands as an international student, then respond to a few questions about her experience. As you read, consider what parts of this story resonated for you.

Click on the title to access the article. Note: this action will take you to an external page that requires a USask login to access.

Biking Through My PhD by Shuxuan Zheng, 2019, Nature, vol. 572

Managing the Adjustment: Blend In, Be Unique?

Navigating "double culture-shock" is not easy, but remember the value that you bring to your new environment. Consider Elisabeth Kugler's perspective after studying in three different countries.

You don’t always have to ‘blend in’. People might tell you, “You’d need to be from here to understand.” You might find yourself experiencing homesickness when you hear, see or smell something familiar. On the positive side, others might say, “Oh, you’re from Austria? I love skiing!” — and small talk is sorted. For me, finding the silver lining in each exchange and feeling grounded, or emotionally balanced, helps me with this salt-and-pepper ‘blend in, be unique’ pattern (2019). 

Does this 'blend in, be unique' pattern resonate with you?

Finding Support

Culture shock is a normal part of adjusting to a new culture, but USask students who are having a difficult experience can connect with the International Student and Study Abroad Centre or the Student Wellness Centre for support.