Adjusting to your host culture
Once you have arrived in Perth, the adjustment process begins and it is important to know what you might experience during that time.
Most new students are very excited and enthusiastic when they arrive. They are eager to meet new people and see new places and experience all that a new country has to offer. They are keen to commence their studies and feel very positive about the adventure that they are about to start. These positive feelings may last a few days or a few weeks, however, at some stage your initial feelings about your new country may change.
After you have been in Australia a short while you may start to experience some difficulties. Perhaps you will have some difficulty communicating because English is not your first language. You might miss your family and friends a lot. Maybe you will not be able to find the food that you like or certain things that you need. You might start to feel very sad or worried and not quite understand why. It is very important to understand that it is very normal to experience some of these things when you are adjusting to a new country and a new culture. Some students will find it very easy to adjust to Australia and some will find it more difficult.
There are many signs that you are having difficulty adjusting to a new country. Here are a few to look out for:
- Feeling very homesick - wishing you were back in your home country
- Feeling lonely or out of place in your new country
- Feeling frustrated or angry with how things are done in Australia
- Feeling very sad, worried or scared about things
- Not feeling motivated to do anything (e.g. attend classes, spend time with friends)
- Not being able to concentrate on your studies
- Feeling tired all the time (no energy)
- Feeling physically ill (e.g. headaches or stomach problems etc)
- Wanting to sleep all the time, or not being able to sleep
- Eating too much, or not enough
- Missing classes
For many students, these problems will pass as you spend more time in your host country and become more familiar with it.
There are many things that you can do to help you to adjust to your new country effectively:
- Be aware that you might have some problems adjusting
Remember it is normal to go through a period of adjustment and look out for the signs mentioned above. Understanding what is happening to you will help you to overcome it - Give yourself time to adjust, learn and adapt to your new home
Even though it is helpful to learn about Australia before you arrive, it will still take you time to get used to things when you get here - Remember: it is alright to make mistakes
This is how we learn. It is also ok to ask for help if you are unsure. Most people will be understanding and helpful if you ask for some assistance - Talk to others
Other new International Students will probably be experiencing some of the same difficulties as you and you can support and assist each other through. The Orientation program for all new students can be a very good opportunity to meet new International and local students and to make new friends - Try to keep an open mind and accept that things here will be different to what you are used to
Keep a sense of humour about the differences between Australia and your home country - Become involved in University activities and in the community
Living in a new country will give you many opportunities to try new things that you may not have done before in your home country. There may also be activities or cultural community groups for people from your home country. It is important to find ways to continue to practice the customs and rituals that are important to you while you are in Australia - Remember, it is normal to take some time to adjust to a new country
For many of you, moving to Australia will be your first experience of living away from home and your family. You may have to be more independent and have more responsibility than you are used to. Your parents and family will not be here to tell you what to do and you will need to make many important decisions for yourself. You will have to be responsible for taking care of yourself and making sure that you apply yourself to your studies. This extra freedom can be very exciting, but it can also take time to adjust to.
A dedicated workshop on Cultural Transition is offered for relocating students during the Orientation period (following the Vital Information for International Students session), which we strongly recommend you attend to help you prepare for this big change. If at any time during your stay in Australia, you feel very sad or anxious or homesick, have difficulties with your studies, or the difficulties mentioned earlier do not seem to be improving please speak with a staff member at Student Central, who will be able to direct you to relevant support, advice and assistance.