Problems and Concerns continued...


Will I stick out or ADJUST?

Adapting to a totally new environment takes time and skill.  Some may not be successful.  BUT, this is 
truly a case of, "Where there's a will, there's a way."

Have you ever noticed the foreign students on campus?  What seems to make them fit in, or stick out?  
Many times you just have watch, then adopt the behaviors of those around you.  Most of the students 
I've talked to, Americans or others, have said that this adapting is the MOST rewarding part of their experience.  
Making new friends and learning new customs is the greatest fun, and, in the end, the most important 
thing you can learn.  To be honest, you have to do this in everyday life.  Not just in a different culture.


LIVING with a HOST FAMILY? 

"How come you came to college to get away from your family, and now you're going back to living with 
one," you say?  You want to go abroad for individualistic experience, right?  And you think a host family
means RULES.

Well, you're right.  Host families do have rules.  You'd be worried if they didn't, trust me.  Of course, 
not everyone has to live with a host family.  You can usually chose living arrangments to fit your lifestyle.  It's just that often the
host family opens up a whole new world for you, literally.  You won't be able to do whatever you want, 
maybe lose some privacy.  BUT, it's not a bad trade-off when you consider all the things your host family can 
do for you.


How will you COMMUNICATE?

Worried about not being able to express yourself?  Heck, even asking where the bathroom is in a foreign
language makes you nervous?

Good!  It won't be easy.  But, you'll be surprised at how fast you learn.  If you need to communicate, 
you'll pick up on the language.  Studying a language in its natural environment makes learning it here 
seem as boring as watching grass grow-or even more so.  Give it some effort and push yourself.  Before you 
know it, you'll not only know where the bathroom is, but you'll be able to say how much you miss 
American toilet paper!


What is REVERSE-CULTURE SHOCK?

If you go abroad, chances are you'll return, and chances are you'll be a little shocked.  What?  "Aren't I 
suppose to be shocked when I go TO the foreign country," you ask?  Sure.  That's why I gave some insights with the 
earlier questions.  But, coming back to America is not always an easy transition back to the old and familiar. 
 
Most Study Abroad students experience a change in perspective after living in another country.  It's 
something you expect, probably want, to happen.  Many times, you don't think of the effect those changes have on 
how you think about not just your host country, but America as well.  You might find that you like America 
better.  You might find you don't like it quite as much.  It might be a case of simply seeing it differently.
Whatever you're reaction, it's bound to take some adjusting.  In a way it's kind of neat, and you can 
always talk to other Study Abroadees, International Studies Office, International students-there's even an 
Honors organization for returnees--
 Phi Beta Delta.

More info? Please, ask: Illinois State University Office of International Studies 
                                         or [email protected]
                                         [email protected]

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