COPING STRATEGIES FOR DEALING WITH CULTURE SHOCK
• Develop a hobby. Try to keep busy.
• Don’t forget the good things you already have and train yourself to look for the best, not the worst, in
situations.
• Arrange for something pleasant to look forward to.
• Remember the resources that are available to you and use them.
• Be patient with yourself and others - adjustment to a new culture takes time.
• Start a journal of the new things you come across every day and your reactions to them. Writing things
down will help you keep them in perspective, and are funny to look back on.
• Try to keep your sense of humor no matter how hard it is.
• Learn to be constructive. If you encounter an unfavorable environment or situation, don’t put yourself in
that position again.
• Be easy on yourself. Don’t be judgmental.
• Learn to integrate regular forms of physical activity (aerobic activity) in your routine. This will help
combat sadness and loneliness in a constructive manner.
• Relaxation methods and meditation can be helpful during periods of stress.
• Maintain contact with your ethnic group. This will give you a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of
loneliness and alienation.
• Maintain contact with your new culture. Improve your English. Get involved in community activities that
would allow you to practice your English.
• Never confuse your ability to speak a new language with your intelligence.
International Student and Scholar Services
72 Fifth Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY, 10011
Phone: (212) 229-5592 Fax: (212) 229-8992
email: ISS@NewSchool.edu
• Train yourself to enjoy the diversity of people and cultures. Explore and familiarize yourself with your
neighborhood and places around the university.
• Allow yourself to feel sad about the things you have left behind: you family, friends, etc.
• Focus on getting through the transitional period
• Pay attention to relationships with your family and friends. They will be a great source of support for you
in difficult times.
• Establish simple, specific goals and evaluate your progress.
• Find ways to compromise; learn to live with things that don’t satisfy you 100%.
• Maintain confidence in yourself. Follow your ambitions and continue your plans for the future.
• If you feel stressed, look for help. There is always someone or some service available to help you.
List of Resources:
New School Counseling Services
International Center in New York
135 East 12th Street, Floor 2
50 West 23rd Street, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10003
New York, NY 10010
(212) 229.1674. ext. 1
(212) 255.9555
www.intlcenter.org
One to World
285 West Broadway, Suite 450
Books:
(Between Canal and Lispenard Streets)
Brené Brown - “Daring Greatly”
New York, NY 10013
Mark Cramer - “New York at Your Door (Culture Shock!
(212) 431.1195, ext. 21
At Your Door: A Survival Guide to Customs & Etiquette)”
http://www.one-to-world.org/
International Student and Scholar Services
72 Fifth Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY, 10011
Phone: (212) 229-5592 Fax: (212) 229-8992
email: ISS@NewSchool.edu