If you’re an international student starting your study abroad journey, you might be curious about potential cultural differences and what adapting to a new culture might be like. Experiencing cultural differences can help you to understand other cultures and develop a valuable, global outlook. However, adjusting to a new culture won’t happen overnight, which is why we’ve put together our top four tips for making this transition a smooth one for you.

1. Reduce Stress

Adjusting to a new culture while studying abroad can be stressful. Exercising is a great way to stimulate the release of dopamine, which can help to reduce stress. Going to the gym, practicing yoga, or joining one of your school’s intramural teams are all effective ways to relieve stress.

You can also join a student club on campus or discover new hobbies. According to recent research on stress management, socialization increases oxytocin, a hormone that decreases anxiety levels and makes us feel more confident in our ability to cope with stress. Many academic institutions run recreational sports leagues and clubs, so be sure to check out your school’s website for ideas.

You can also consider implementing these tips into your daily routine to help manage stress:

• Follow online workout routines on YouTube
• Join student clubs (many schools offer these both in-person and through platforms like Facebook and Discord)
• Listen to music
• Learn how to cook new meals by watching online tutorials
• Reach out to campus counseling services—many universities now offer multilingual counseling and 24/7 crisis support built for international students

2. Keep an Open Mind

Never underestimate the power of perspective. When interacting with people in your new country, ensure you keep an open mind. Consider how their culture and background may influence their behaviour. This is critical when moving into a new environment. These strategies allow you to put yourself in their shoes and gain perspective on things that may not initially make sense to you.

Moving to a new country and adapting to a new culture doesn’t always mean you have to alter your customs and values. But just as you want your classmates to understand and embrace who you are and how you live, you should aim to do the same.

3. Be Curious and Ask Questions

When adapting to a new culture, it’s natural to have many questions and be curious about your surroundings. Whether you want to know where the best hiking spots and breakfast joints are, or you’re wondering what a particular phrase means, don’t be shy about asking questions or seeking help when you need it. You’ll find that many people are eager to share their knowledge with others.

Tip: Making yourself understood and understanding others in a new language often requires clarification, repeating, and rephrasing.

4. Seek Support from Other International Students

During your study abroad journey, you’ll be surrounded by other international students who might be sharing similar experiences as they adjust. Chatting about the local culture and ways to adjust to it can help you better understand your new country and its residents.

Many universities and colleges offer mentoring programs that match upper-year international students with first-year students from the same country or region. This allows the incoming student to learn about their host country’s culture, ask questions, and meet new friends. Most colleges and universities also offer international student clubs and peer mentoring programs through their international student offices. These clubs and programs typically host meetings both in person and virtually throughout the school year, allowing international students to form a community.

Adjusting to a new culture is an ongoing process that requires time. Be patient during this journey, and be patient with yourself. Incorporating these tips will help you adjust to your new culture and ensure a positive start to your study abroad experience.

Looking for support along your study abroad journey? Find resources on everything from student loans to proof of finances on the ApplyBoard platform!