Settling in

Canada is known for its cultural diversity. As an international student, you may experience some degree of culture shock in the first few months in Canada. While most Canadians are warm and welcoming to newcomers, adapting to cultural differences takes time and effort. Hence, it is totally normal to experience some challenges and frustrations. The key is to recognize them and make efforts to work through them. There are multiple stages of culture shock, and not everyone goes through each of them at the same time or with the same intensity. It is important to remember that these stages may occur repeatedly; however, the intensity will diminish as time goes by.

Stages of Cultural Adjustment

Stage 1 - Euphoria

As you prepare for your study abroad and upon your arrival, everything is new and exciting. You enjoy the differences you are finding. Although you miss your friends from last year, the novelty and excitement of experiencing a new environment outweigh the loss. This stage seems pleasant enough, but there are some drawbacks. You tend to see the culture through rose-colored glasses, e.g., by focusing on similarities rather than differences. You also focus more on all the visible aspects of the culture (e.g. food, scenery, clothing) and are ignoring the more complex and less obvious aspects.

Stage 2 - Confrontation

One to four months after you arrive, the newness wears off; and you will feel frustrated. Your feelings can shift from very positive to extremely negative. You may view both the home and host cultures in unrealistic terms. One is superior while the other is lacking. This is because everything that you used to do with relative ease back home appears more difficult due to the culture and/or language. Homesickness may also contribute to your feelings of discomfort. You feel discouraged and begin to doubt whether you can learn the language or adjust to the culture. Despite these feelings, you are making critical progress in expanding your cross-cultural awareness. Whether or not you are aware of it, you are developing your own strategies for coping with cultural differences. This is the stage known as "culture shock". You will find below tips to make a smooth transition through this stage.

Stage 3 - Adjustment and Adaptation

You are starting to feel at home. You feel increasingly comfortable and competent in the culture. You start to look forward to further interactions in the host country and what you can learn throughout the remainder of your experience.

Undergoing culture shock is in itself a learning experience, and you should take advantage of it. It is a way of sensitizing yourself to another culture at a level that goes beyond the intellectual and rational. Once you have gone through the uncomfortable stages of psychological adjustment, you will be in a much better position to fully appreciate the cultural differences that exist.

Coping with Culture Shock

Before you go

Prepare yourself going abroad by learning as much as you can about Canadian culture – read novels by local authors, newspapers, watch movies about and from the country, listen to popular music, etc.
Learn the English language, including body language, to help you fit in more easily. Find out about differences in body language, personal space, manners, etc.
Create realistic expectations of your academic and personal experiences while abroad. Start a journal with your goals for what is important to you to get out of the experience.
Expect culture shock to happen and recognize it as a normal process of adjusting to a new culture.

After you arrive

Remember that you are not the only one experiencing occasional frustration, irritability and depression etc. Going through culture shock, in other words, does not imply the existence of any psychological or emotional shortcomings on your part.
Make an effort to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Student societies and clubs in your university are a good place to start. Participating in group activities, neighbourhood clubs, and hobby groups is also a great way to meet new people.
Take care of yourself-eat healthy, exercise and get enough rest.
Read some of the local newspapers and listen to the radio every day.
Continue journaling and write letters to friends and family at home.

Highlights of Canadian Culture

Small talk serves as an ice-breaker when you are speaking to someone new. It’s also a great way to begin forming meaningful connections. Common small talk topics may include the weather, sports, hobbies, current events, and other impersonal subjects. So, don’t be shy to initiate small talk – it’s part of Canadian culture.
Canadians are known for their politeness and words like “thank you”, “please”, and “sorry” are used freely in conversations. Keep in mind that polite behaviour is a social standard and should not be confused with friendliness.
In Canada, every individual is considered equal. Discrimination based on culture, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, language, and profession is unacceptable.
While many cultures prioritize individual contribution in class, in Canadian universities and colleges, group work forms an important part of education. During group work, you will need to communicate effectively with a diverse group of students and take ownership of your work, without coming across as pushy. However, individual assignments and exams are your own work. Getting help on these will count as cheating and comes with severe consequences.
Canadians tend to value their personal space and privacy. Be respectful of boundaries, both physical and emotional. Don’t behave in a way that may be perceived as disrespectful, such as asking questions about how much money someone makes or their religion.