It can be exciting to study abroad, but some students may find the experience of coming to a new country and a new culture a bit overwhelming. The combination of missing friends and family and adapting to a new environment can induce 'culture shock'. This is a popular term for describing the impact of moving from a familiar culture to one that is unfamiliar. Here are some ways to deal with it:
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Remember that culture shock is a normal experience and that it should pass
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Prepare yourself for your new environment by doing some research in advance. For example, Prepare for Success offers activity-based learning resources to help you learn more about academic life in the UK.
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Keep in touch with your family and friends by telephone, letter, fax or email
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Keep familiar things around you that have personal meaning - photos, etc
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Find a supplier of familiar food if you can. For details of local shops please see:
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UpMyStreet - a very useful website for finding out about local shops and services in your area
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TimeOut London - very useful for shopping of all kinds, including food
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Make friends with other international students - from your own culture and others. Investigate the Students' Union and its many societies. Freshers' Week is an excellent time for this (see Student societies). Visit International Students House - a social centre for overseas students situated in central London. They offer a Christmas programme for students who are remaining in London over the Christmas vacation.
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Take advantage of the Orientation events provided by the School and by your department
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Use the School support services - they are there to help you:
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Your Student Mentor (see LSE Mentoring Scheme for details), School and Departmental Officers or the staff in the Student Services Centre in the Old Building can also help you. If you are having problems - tell someone
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Join one of the many S.U Societies, for more information see LSE Students' Union Societies
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Link with a faith community if appropriate. The LSE Chaplaincy should be able to put you in touch with a local church, mosque, synagogue, or temple, and there are several religious student societies.
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Meet other International Students from universities, colleges or language schools in the London area for monthly meetings and social events. Please visit Meet Up for more information.
Don't forget that if feelings of isolation or disorientation persist and are affecting your studies, there are people here who can help you. We want you to get the most out your time here, and to enjoy the experience.
The Students' Union has an international students officer who is responsible within the Union for ensuring the welfare and representation of international students. You can email him / her at SU.International@lse.ac.uk|
For more information for international students, please see UKCISA: The Council for International Education|.
HOST
HOST is a volunteer organisation of UK residents who welcome adult international students to their homes for a weekend or Christmas visit. Their purpose is to give students an insight into the way of life in Britain while learning more about the cultures of the students who visit them. Please note that there is an application fee to join the HOST program and you will need to pay your own travel costs to your host. For details on the program, see HOST UK|.
Personal safety
Although Great Britain is usually a safe country you should always be aware of your personal safety. Please visit Campus safety tips|, and http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Personal/Safety.htm| for useful tips on staying safe.
Please note that LSE cannot be held responsible for the content of external websites.