It is essential to begin thinking about how you will adjust to your new study abroad location. While abroad, you may navigate unfamiliar environments and face new challenges that push you outside your comfort zone. But, by preparing and managing your expectations before your experience abroad, you will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the host country’s culture, traditions, and perspectives during your experience.
We encourage you to learn as much as possible about your study abroad location, such as de-rusting your language skills, listening to local podcasts or radio, and reading books about the host culture. This advanced research can ease you into the cultural adjustment process, commonly known as “culture shock.” It is normal, to some degree, to go through an adjustment period while abroad, and it will affect everyone on varying timelines. You may cycle through phases like initial elation, frustration, gradual adjustment, or acceptance on an ongoing basis, but not always in a linear fashion. Be patient and kind to yourself as you work through these stages.
To help you prepare for your experience abroad, our office will host a UGE Pre-Departure Orientation specific to the program type you plan to attend: Columbia-Led or Columbia-Approved. You will be able to learn more and discuss academics while abroad, packing tips, travel logistics, Columbia’s health and safety requirements, and navigating life abroad. The UGE Pre-Departure Orientation is a mandatory requirement for studying abroad, and your UGE Advisers will be available to answer any questions!
If you are participating in a Columbia-Approved program, you will also be asked by your third-party provider to attend their own mandatory orientation. Their orientation will be more specific to your location, details about your accommodations, and the registration process.
Below are some resources to help guide you as you prepare for your global engagement experience. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your UGE Adviser or third-party program advisor for assistance.
Resources:
Chat with your UGE Adviser | They can provide you with resources, guides, websites, or publications that may help as you begin to understand the culture you will be living in.
Connect with Global Learning Assistants (GLAs) | Learn more student leaders on campus who support the global engagement conversation. They are eager to share their own experience living and studying in a new culture.
UGE Identity and Diversity Abroad | Begin your own research by reviewing resources relating to students of a particular identity group studying abroad.
UGE Well-Being Abroad | Be proactive and well-informed about your well-being in academic and personal settings while abroad.
Cultural Iceberg Model | Explore a theoretical concept of culture to understand what a deeper analysis of culture will reveal.
Stages of Cultural Adjustment | Prepare yourself when navigating a new culture or environment through a period of adjustment, also known as “culture shock.”
Diversity Abroad Destination Guides | Learn detailed information about specific locations/cultures.