 Culture
shock is not quite as shocking or as
sudden as most people expect. It is part of the
process of learning a new culture that is
called, "cultural adaptation." You may experience
some discomfort before you are able to function
well in a new setting. This discomfort is a natural
stage in the adaptation process.

Gradually, as you become more involved in activities
and get to know the people around
you, differences, as well as similarities, will become
increasingly apparent. There are many differences
that may at first seem "foreign" or strange.
However, exposure to those differences is what makes
the study abroad experience worthwhile.
 Living in a foreign country necessarily means that you
will be exposed to lifestyles, cultural aspects, and
people who you have not been in contact with before.
Of course, adjusting to a new environment is difficult
as well as exciting. This difficulty may lead to
something called, "culture shock." However, if you
remain positive and keep an open mind, you will
overcome culture shock and develop a new
appreciation for such differences


Welcome aboard!!!
Now what?

Adjusting to a new job can be a daunting
challenge, whether you took the new job by choice or
out of necessity. Pretty soon, you'll know the new
people, the new work, and the new place.
Meanwhile, you can take some steps to make the
transition smoother.
4

 Visualize
a great day. Try to think of all you
believe is good and positive in you. Tell
yourself that you'll be a happy person around
in the workplace and a pleasure for everyone
at work to have you with them.
5

 Arrive
on time or a little early the first
day. Ask in advance when, where, and whom
you will meet. Confirm that somebody will
be there to meet you when you arrive.
 Obtain
and bring the phone number of
somebody who can let you in. Get any
special instructions, too.
6

 Take
care of the administrative stuff. Visit
Human Resources, security, your manager,
and anybody else you need to see to get
started. Ask questions if you need to.
7

Get to know your colleagues. This could be the
single most valuable way to ease the transition
into a new job. Learn names as much as
possible. Introduce yourself and ask a few simple
questions to start the conversation. Find out
what people's roles are and how long they have
been around, for a start.
 Ask who to ask. If you're stuck on something, go
to somebody you already met and ask where you
should take a question.
 Make friends. As you start to develop a
professional rapport with some people, invite
them to have coffee or lunch with you someday.
Getting outside the workplace can do wonders
for camaraderie.

8

 Learn
your work area and, as
appropriate, set it up.
A bit of personal touch
9

 Get
your computer, accounts,
and passwords set up. The IT or IS
department will usually help. Listen to their
instructions and advice. Do not forget to ask
for assistance installing a printer, if you need
to.
10

 Learn
your new job. Depending on your job
and your previous experience, it could take
anywhere from weeks to years to master.
11

 Learn
the building or other space where
you will be working. Where is the printer?
The restroom? The emergency exit?
The cafeteria? If there's a map, take a good
look at it.
12

 Talk
to your boss. Even if it's not your
favorite activity, communicating regularly
with your boss is a good way to know if
you're on the right track. Do not forget that
you can ask questions, give a status
report (verbally or in writing), and ask
for feedback and recommendations.
13

 Jump
in and start doing your work. Either
you will figure out what you are doing or you
will learn where you are stuck and what you
need to ask. Instructions and advice may get
you started, but doing is the best way to
learn.
Learn by doing
14

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C7XNMpwBr4
15


Just as culture shock derives from the
accumulation of cultural clashes, so an
accumulation of small successes can lead to
more effective interactions within the new
culture. As you increase your abilities to manage
and understand the new social system, practices
that recently seemed so strange will become less
puzzling. Eventually you will sufficiently adapt
to the host culture and become comfortable with
both your academic and social life. You will be
able to relax and fully enjoy the study abroad
experience. You will also improve your sense of
humour!