08 Dec 2023
Are you a Zambian student who is all ready to embark on a study abroad experience soon? Odds are, you’ve prepared for everything but homesickness. Homesickness and culture shock are underestimated as dire realities for anyone leaving their home country. According to a survey, 85% of all international students have faced culture shock. This might become a hindrance in achieving good grades and ultimately supporting your family back home by making money transfers to Zambia.
When international students come to a new country, they are exposed to a culture that is substantially different from their own. This causes mixed feelings, confusion, and homesickness, collectively known as culture shock.
This situation occurs due to several circumstances, the most common of which is that you have probably moved far away from your native nation and your family and friends. You may be experiencing a language barrier, feeling like you are not on the same academic level as other students, or feeling lonely without your home friends around you daily.
Usually, there are four stages of culture shock: honeymoon, bargaining, adjustment, and adaptation. Depending on how far you've relocated from home and if this is your first time away, you may experience varying degrees of shock.
The following factors characterize cultural shock and appear when presented with and adapting to new experiences.
It can also cause bodily symptoms such as
Psychological issues such as melancholy and frustration
While studying abroad is a significant life adjustment, dealing with culture shock is an absolute necessity among foreign students. People in your nation often dress, act, interact, and even teach differently than your host country. Hence, culture shock is common when studying abroad, and you will need some time to adjust to your new lifestyle.
If you've traveled to study abroad and eventually given financial support to your family by making instant money transfers to Zambia, you're probably looking forward to being in a new environment and experiencing a new way of life but might find it challenging due to culture shock. Fortunately, overcoming culture shock is doable, and there are numerous strategies to deal with it.
When you are struggling with something, it is easy to become quite introspective and lose sight of the fact that others may be experiencing similar sentiments. It is critical to recognize that most people who choose to relocate to a new nation and immerse themselves in a new culture will experience cultural shock. You are not alone in your feelings, and acknowledging this can be comforting at times. Communicating with other international students about how you are feeling may help you deal with it. However, avoid being overly negative about your circumstances, as this may be more harmful.
Try writing about your emotions if you enjoy journaling. Some people believe that writing down their thoughts helps them process them better because they are no longer in their heads. Another advantage of documenting your emotions is that you may reflect on how you first arrived and see how far you have progressed. That can be a wonderful confidence booster!
Doing some initial research about native customs is one of the most effective methods for dealing with culture shock while living overseas. For example, learning about the local culture before you arrive can be beneficial if you're going to a UK institution.
This will help you understand how to communicate with locals and blend in. It will also help you reduce the intensity of culture shock because you will be prepared to deal with contrasts between the two cultures.
While you're dealing with the difficult feelings of culture shock in your new institution, it's easy to lose sight of all the great experiences that come with studying abroad. Instead of dwelling on homesickness and what you miss, consider the positive aspects of your situation and how much you have to look forward to.
Cultural shock is common when studying abroad but does not have to consume you. Accept the challenge and explore your surroundings to understand your host country better. Familiarising oneself with the transportation system, customs, and environment will make you feel much more at ease. You also need to ask people how to send money online to Zambia instantly and for that, you need to recover from your culture shock. It can be a game changer while dealing with culture shock at university.
If you're a Zambian student studying abroad, managing your finances is probably one of your top priorities. This is where ACE Money Transfer can help. ACE Money Transfer's fast, trustworthy, and secure services enable you to send money to Zambia at competitive exchange rates easily.
Furthermore, its user-friendly app makes it simple to track transfers and manage your account while on the road. So you can concentrate on adjusting to your new culture and making the most of your abroad study experience without having to worry about the inconveniences of money management.
ACE Money Transfer provides a variety of handy ways to send and receive money. You can send money through their website, mobile app, or agent locations. ACE also provides a variety of payment options, such as bank transfers, debit card transfers, and cash pick-up.
Adapting to a new culture can be difficult, but it is also an opportunity for personal growth and development. By following these strategies, you can overcome homesickness and culture shock and make the most of your abroad study experience. Handling your finances is vital to studying abroad, and ACE Money Transfer can assist you with this. Furthermore, as a Zambian student studying abroad, using ACE Money Transfer can help you save money on transfer costs and get more bang for your buck.
Hence, if you're seeking a trustworthy and dependable money transfer service, try ACE Money Transfer. To begin making money transfers online to Zambia, go to the website or download the mobile app. You can sign up for absolutely free!
Coping with homesickness involves staying connected with loved ones back home through regular communication, finding a support network in your host country, and focusing on creating new, positive experiences to help alleviate feelings of longing for home.
Culture shock is the disorientation and discomfort that often comes with adjusting to a new culture. To manage it, try to educate yourself about the local culture before arrival, maintain an open and curious mindset, and seek out cultural immersion experiences, such as trying local food and participating in cultural events.
Building a social support network abroad involves participating in student organizations, attending cultural exchange events, and reaching out to other international and local students. Don't be afraid to make the first move and initiate friendships.
Adapting to the academic environment may involve understanding different teaching styles, time management, and communication with professors. It's helpful to seek academic guidance from professors and academic advisors and to use available academic resources.
Many universities and colleges offer counseling services and resources specifically for international students. These services can guide cultural adjustment, homesickness, and mental well-being. Don't hesitate to reach out to them if needed.
