Campus and city life
Cultural Awareness
Campus and city life
“Campus life” is generally a North American concept with the exception of some British universities. Buildings are often in the heart of a city and may be scattered over a considerable area, separated from each other by residences, restaurants, and shops.
You may live in one part of the city, attend classes in another part, work somewhere else, and eat your meals in a student restaurant. Generally, expect less planned or “pre-packaged” student life as well as fewer student clubs and organizations, social affairs, and organized sports than in the United States.
Housing
Housing standards in other countries may be different than what you’re used to. Rooms may be smaller, buildings older, draftier windows, or plumbing more fragile. Be flexible about your expectations, and aware that housing arrangements may change prior to your arrival.
Meeting people
In many places, especially in Western Europe, making friends might not be as easy as in the United States. For example, the concept of a “friend” is quite distinct from the concept of an “acquaintance.” It can take months to make a “friend” but once a friendship is formed it will last a lifetime.
If you’re living with a family your relationship will typically start off as one between boarder and landlord/landlady. It will be up to both of you to create something more than the initial formal relationship. It may take time to adjust to the customs and habits of the family and to develop a warm relationship. Be patient. It does happen but it takes time and flexibility.
Culture shock
Be prepared to go through some adjustment during your stay. This is a normal process of adapting to a new culture and is explained well in Common Reactions (from Dr. Bruce LaBrack’s “What’s Up With Culture?” section 1.7.1).
After the initial excitement of being in a new place wears off, it’s normal to feel lonely, depressed, or homesick. For most these homesick feelings are natural and will fade as you get used to your new environment. But if you still feel down, it’s important to reach out to a friend, family member, or counselor for help. Visit the University Counseling Center website to explore University resources.
Suggested reading
The “What’s Up With Culture?” website is specifically designed for students traveling abroad. It was created by Dr. Bruce LaBrack, an anthropologist at the University of the Pacific in California.
It’s an essential crash course in cross-cultural communication and adjustment. If you find yourself at a low point while you’re abroad, refer back to this site. It can help you understand how culture impacts your ability to understand and function in a new and unfamiliar environment.
Host country questionnaire
These questions are designed to help spark your curiosity about the country you’ll be heading to, direct your reading and research, and sharpen your knowledge. You can even complete this questionnaire with your host family, or use it to guide conversation with other locals.
Explore these suggested questions by topic in the drop-downs below. You can also download and print the questionnaire.
- How many people can you name who are prominent in the affairs (politics, athletics, religion, the arts, etc.) of your host country?
- Who are the country’s national heroes and heroines?
- Are other languages spoken besides the dominant language? What are the social and political implications of language usage?
- Can you recognize the national anthem?
- What are the most common forms of marriage ceremonies and celebrations?
- What is the attitude toward divorce? Extra-marital relations? Plural marriages?
- What is the attitude toward gambling?
- What is the attitude toward drinking?
- Is the price asked for merchandise fixed or are customers expected to bargain? How is the bargaining conducted?
- If, as a customer, you touch or handle merchandise for sale, will the storekeeper think you are knowledgeable, inconsiderate, within your rights, completely outside your rights? Other?
- How do people organize their daily activities? What is the normal meal schedule? Is there a daytime rest period? What is the customary time for visiting friends?
- On what occasions would you present (or accept) gifts from people in the country? What kinds of gifts would you exchange?
- How do people greet one another? Shake hands? Embrace or kiss? How do they leave one another? What does any variation from the usual greeting or leave-taking signify?
- Do some flowers have a particular significance?
- What things are taboos in this society?
- What are the important holidays? How is each observed?
- How are children disciplined at home?
- Are children usually present at social occasions? At ceremonial occasions? If they are not present, how are they cared for in the absence of their parents?
- How does society observe children’s “coming of age?”
- What is the predominant religion? Is it a state religion?
- What are the most important religious observances and ceremonies? How regularly do people participate in them?
- How do members of the predominant religion feel about other religions?
- What foods are most popular and how are they prepared?
- If you are invited to dinner, should you arrive early, on time or late? If late, how late?
- What is the usual dress for women? For men? Are slacks or shorts worn? If so, on what occasions?
- What are the favorite leisure and recreational activities?
- What sports are popular?
- What kinds of television programs are shown?
- What are the special privileges of age and/or sex?
- What are the minority groups in your host country? Are you a minority in that country?
- What are men’s, women’s, and minorities’ roles (social, professional, religious, etc.) in your host country?
- Do men, women, and minorities have equal opportunity/protection under the law?
- Do men, women, and minorities have the same educational opportunities? Job opportunities?
- Do women and minorities serve in the military?
- Do women work outside the home?
- What type of leadership roles do women and minorities hold?
- How do men treat local women? American women?
- How does your host country view minorities within the country and elsewhere?
- Are pay scales equal for men, women, and minorities?
- Is there a women’s rights or civil rights movement?
- Are there special concerns/issues that women and minorities should be aware of before they study abroad in your host country?
- Where do women and minorities fall within the social hierarchy?
- Is military training compulsory?
- Are the largest circulation newspapers generally friendly in their attitude toward the United States?
- What is the history of the relationships between this country and the U.S.?
- How many people have emigrated from this country to the United States? Other countries? Are many doing so at present?
- What kinds of health services are available?
- What are the common home remedies for minor ailments? Where can medicines be purchased?
- Is education free? Compulsory?
- What kinds of schools are considered best: public, private, parochial?
- Where are the important universities of the country? If university education is sought abroad, to what countries and universities do students go?