Cultural Adjustment
Living in a culture that is different from your own can be both an exciting adventure and a challenging process. Regardless of what country you are from, it is common for all international students to go through a period of cultural adjustment. Understanding this adjustment process and getting support through this transition will help you to have a more fulfilling experience, both academically and personally.
Culture shock
The values, social norms, and traditions in the U.S. may be very different from beliefs about "how things should be" in the country where you grew up. When individuals move to another culture, they naturally carry their own background and life experiences with them, and these shape how they perceive and adjust to their new environment. For example, some of you may find American classroom culture easy to adjust to, while others may struggle significantly in this area. "Culture shock" is a common experience that describes the feelings of confusion, stress and disorientation that occur when entering an unfamiliar culture. Keep in mind that not everyone has the same reactions to cultural adjustment and may experience the symptoms of culture shock in varying degrees, and at different times. Common reactions to culture shock include:
Strategies to help you cope with the adjustment process
Adapting to a new culture is an ongoing process. It may be challenging at times, but most students who experience culture shock agree that going through this transition helped them to learn more about themselves and to develop greater confidence in their ability to navigate new situations. It can also lead to a renewed appreciation of one's own culture. There are many people in the university community who are available to provide you with support. Keep in mind that you do not have to struggle alone.
Adapted from https://www.cmhc.utexas.edu/cultureadjustment.html
Classes in the United States
The American classroom is very unique. Many international students have never seen anything like it.
Lecture Format
There are different types of university classes. That is, they are taught in different formats. The most common format is a lecture.
Take notes during lectures. They will help you prepare for exams later.
Seminars
A seminar is based on class discussion. That is, the professor will present a topic. This topic might be taken from the most recent reading assignment. She/he will begin a discussion and the students participate.
You’re encouraged to speak up in a seminar. You are allowed to disagree with someone. You can say so, as long as you say why. Ask questions. Creativity is encouraged.
Professors
Professors have office hours. These hours are good times to receive academic support. These are blocks of time when students can visit professors. This is a good time to discuss classwork with professors. It is also a good time to ask for help if you have concerns or struggles.
Office hours might conflict with your classes and activities. Your professor can still help you. You’ll need to schedule an appointment to see him. Your professor should provide his contact information at the first class. This is usually found on the syllabus. (A syllabus is a list of assignments for the semester.)
Get to know all your professors. Even if you don’t need help, introduce yourself. It is a good relationship to have in the future.
Remember: You must go see professors on your own. They will rarely invite you to meet. If you have something to discuss, take the initiative to schedule a meeting.
Participation
When you participate in discussions, remember a few things:
You should take notes in seminars. These will help you prepare for exams. They will also serve as a reference when you write papers.
Be sure to note which remarks were made by others. You can use other people’s comments as a reference for papers. But you cannot treat them like your own ideas. That might be considered plagiarism.
This applies to many situations. Suppose you are writing a paper. You have proposed a thought. You want to support that point with a fact. You may have read this fact in a book.
If that fact goes into your paper, you must cite the book. There are many ways to do this.
According to Peter Ackroyd, author of Shakespeare: The Biography, “Most of the actors had their own specialty.”
Ackroyd, Peter. Shakespeare: The Biography. New York: Anchor Books, 2005.
Bibliographies are confusing to many students. If you are unsure how to credit someone’s work, ask your professor.
Citing work doesn’t just apply to books. If someone else said or wrote it, you must credit them. This applies to:
Don’t feel overwhelmed. Once you do one bibliography, it’s easy to do more. For more information on bibliographies and citations, visit ENC Library website: http://libguides.enc.edu/citations
Creativity
You can still be creative. Don’t let fear of plagiarism keep you from being original. Think of your paper as a private seminar. You can propose as many original thoughts as you want. No one can interrupt you. But remember:
Many international students are not used to this. In the U.S., students are encouraged to think and speak independently. They are encouraged to question what they are taught. This is uncommon in many other countries. It might take some time before you are comfortable enough to speak up.
If you have any doubts, ask your professor. Chances are she will encourage you to be creative.
It’s important to pay attention. Listen to what your professor and classmates say. Note what is taught in reading materials. But reflect on them. If they don’t make sense, ask why. If you disagree, say why.
Banking in the United States
Opening and maintaining a checking, savings or credit card account
You may want to open a checking or savings account with a bank in the United States. These accounts are places to store your money. They help you keep track of money you are spending, earning and saving.
This is different from a credit card. With a checking or savings account, you can only spend money you actually have.
Checking and savings accounts allow you to deposit money you have earned.
When you open a checking account, you get paper checks. You can use them to pay for goods, services or bills. The business you have paid will have to process your check first. That amount will then be deducted for your checking account.
You can also get a debit card. A debit card can pay for things without writing out a paper check.
This card is similar to a credit card. It is plastic and equipped with a number. But when you pay with a debit card, money is immediately deducted from your checking account. On the other hand, a credit card balance can be paid later.
You can remove money from your checking account in the form of cash from automated teller machines (commonly called the “ATM”). Your debit card can be used for this.
You can also open a savings account. A savings account is good for storing money that you don’t wish to immediately spend. This money is good to save for emergencies or special occasions.
You might have to remove money from your savings account. You might also want to move it to a different account. This requires a transfer, which your bank can help you with. Money from your savings account can also be removed as cash from the ATM.
Most banks have websites. These websites can let you do many things through the Internet, like:
These websites can also let people you trust access your account. You might want to give your parents access. That way, they can deposit money into your account(s) in case of emergency. Choose these people carefully.
Local banks close to ENC include:
Phones and Computers
When you come to the United States you will want to communicate with friends and family at home. You will also want to communicate with new friends you meet here. There are many ways to communicate in the U.S. Most are very easily accessible.
Cell phones
Cell phones are almost more common in the U.S. than landlines. For many people, the mobile phone is the only one they have or need.
There are two ways to buy a mobile phone.
Computer Use
To send and receive email, you’ll need access to a computer, smart phone or tablet that connects to the Internet. Most U.S. colleges and universities have plenty of public computers for students in libraries and labs. To use these computers you will need your campus email address and password.
You will likely want to buy your own computer. If so, it is recommended that you purchase a laptop. That way, if you need to travel elsewhere (like the library or a café) to get work done, your computer can come with you.
Buying a computer/laptop
You can always purchase a computer online, either new or used.
If you’ve never bought your own computer before, it might be best to buy a new one, in a store. You can avoid certain problems and speak with an expert that way. Before you go into the store, be prepared with information for the sales representatives:
Many stores specialize in selling computers. Some of them are:
Boston’s public transportation system, called the MBTA, can take you throughout the neighborhoods surrounding campus and into the downtown area of Boston. The train system in Boston is called the T. Tickets can be purchased at train stations or you can get a "Charlie Card" that you can fill up with credit for use on Trains and Buses: https://www.mbta.com/fares
If you live off-campus, public transportation is a great way to get to class. No matter where you live, it’s a great way to get to work, shops and restaurants. In many major cities, public transportation can get you to the airport at a fairly low cost.
For other ways to get to the airport, find the name of a nearby shuttle or van service. This can be found in a phonebook or on the Internet. Search for your city and “airport shuttle.”
These services are more affordable than taxis. But, they run on a schedule. They are also shared with other people who are going to or coming from the airport.
Like any bus or train, all public transportation runs on a schedule. If you are going to use public or campus transportation to get somewhere, always check the schedule. This will help you get to your destination and back home on time.The can find information about the local transportation system online here: https://www.mbta.com/
Wollaston T station is about 1 mile from the ENC campus and provide access to the Red Line which goes into the center of Boston.
Wollaston T Station in Quincy, Massachusetts
Gratuity and Tipping
In most American restaurants, your check will not include gratuity. This can change if you have a large group. When the check arrives, see if it includes a tip. Ask your server if you’re unsure.
It is considered rude not to leave a tip. The standard amount is 15% of the check’s total. For outstanding service, people leave an 18% or 20% tip.
For example:
At the Restaurant
Attire
Before you go to the restaurant, find out if there is a dress code. Most chain restaurants do not have a dress code.
You can always call the restaurant and ask. The dress code is sometimes on the restaurant’s website.
All restaurants require a shirt and shoes. Here are some common dress codes:
Refills
Most American restaurants have free refills for non-alcoholic drinks. If you order one and finish it, your glass will be refilled for free. This applies to drinks like:
In the US, the legal age for alcohol consumption is 21. ENC has a policy that prohibits all students from drinking alcoholic drinks even if you are about the legal age.
If you order bottled water, you will have to pay for every bottle you order.
Water and soda is always served with ice. If you do not like ice in your drink, tell the server.