Culture Shock Experienced by International Students in the US

Shawdesh desk:

I have been living in the US on a student visa since August 2022. Leaving the land where I was born, grew up, and created beautiful memories with my friends and family is a heart-wrenching experience. Then coming to a completely different atmosphere which is geographically, environmentally, culturally, politically and economically different from Bangladesh was a real challenge. However, unlike many aspiring international students, I did not come alone. I travelled across the Atlantic with my equally witted and brilliant husband and our three wonderful children. Still, the separation anxiety hit hard right from the start. And the feeling skyrocketed when we finally took our seats inside the aircraft and visited the washroom for the first time. With no water service inside, the toilet ignites a feeling of distress, alienation, and unfamiliarity, which we commonly perceive as ‘Culture Shock’. For those aspiring to study in the US this year or soon, this article is for you!

We often hear the term ‘culture shock’ from those who live abroad. But what is the concept of culture shock? Homesickness, separation anxiety, a sense of withdrawal, sleeping and eating disorders, helplessness, lack of concentration and a tendency to cry alone are some common symptoms of ‘culture shock’. Discomforts related to food, language, and cultural norms tend to amplify when we start living in a new environment. After witnessing some of the following cultural differences, many international students experience it.

The vital one is the one I have mentioned above: no water in the loo. Can you imagine how challenging it can be for people like us, who are accustomed to washing ourselves with icy cold water even during the extreme winter season? Thanks to my brother who ordered a ‘bodna’ on Amazon for us in advance. We received it a day or two after we arrived in Fargo. Then later, we installed a bidet on our commode. But what if you have nature’s call while being at the campus? Adjust or adapt, the choice is yours, my dear readers!

If you have a cold and cough problem, be cautious while ordering plain water or soft drinks (which are known as pop or soda in the US). It is because the Americans usually drink ice water. Even when they drink a glass of pop, they pour it over the ice cubes. And guess what! They do not catch colds. Therefore, make it clear that you do not wish to have ice added to your water or pop. Simple! Just be specific about your choice, voice it out and save your throat!

Another culture shock you may experience is the extra-friendly nature of the Americans. Here, the weather has an impact on people’s moods. During summer and fall, Americans are generally very amiable. They greet strangers with generous smiles and open hearts. I was initially confused when I first encountered this casual and friendly gesture from the locals. I wondered why they would even greet me. They barely knew me! Since we are not accustomed to being greeted by strangers for no reason in our country, we find the ‘small talk’ culture interesting. However, international students excel at assimilating themselves into new cultures. Dear upcoming international students, enhance your communication skills and embrace an interactive environment.

One of the most challenging culture shocks for many international students, especially those coming from South Asian countries, is the struggle with sudden responsibilities because they have always relied on either parents or helping hands to accomplish household chores. Here, everyone must do or share workloads at home. It is always a good idea to learn basic survival skills like cooking, driving and laundry. These are not gendered tasks but surviving skills for any individual.

Finally, how can I forget the naming issue? It took me some time to realise that I am no longer addressed as ‘Sonali ma’am’: an attribute I used to receive from my Bangladeshi students. Though Juliet in Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet utters, “What’s in a name?”, I felt its significance strongly after coming to the US. Students now call me either Professor Banu or Jainab. While this was a cultural surprise, I was also taken aback to be addressed as a ‘professor’. Regardless of your professional designation, if you are a teacher, you will be addressed as a professor.

The US is a great country. Once you get accustomed to various cultural norms, you feel much better about your existence as an international student in the US. Homesickness and anxiousness may still occasionally visit you, but keeping in touch with family back home and connecting with people in the new community helps maintain good physical and mental condition. We international students also receive a lot of emotional and moral support from our teachers and institutions. So, if you find yourself in the same boat, just remember, you are never alone!

The writer is a PhD Student in Rhetoric, Writing and Culture and a Graduate Teaching Assistant Department of English at North Dakota State University.