Cultural Competency

As most students do, you will experience a range of feelings and reactions when you first arrive. Culture shock comes in many forms, and people experience it in varying degrees.

As time goes by, and you see yourself settle into your routine, register for classes, begin the process of making friends and explore the area you now call home, you will be going through many emotional, psychological, and possibly physical changes.

This is what is known as "cultural adjustment" or "cultural adaptation." You cannot avoid these changes, but you will be better prepared to deal with their consequences if you recognize them when they occur.

Cultural adjustment is a continuous, ongoing process: it never stops.

What is Culture? 

  • manners and customs 
  • beliefs and ideas
  • ceremonies and rituals laws (written and unwritten)
  • ideas and thought patterns
  • language arts and artifacts
  • social institutions
  • religious beliefs
  • myths and legends
  • knowledge
  • values and morals
  • concept of self
  • accepted ways of behaving

Cultural Adjustment Cycle

1. Honeymoon Period
Initially, you will probably be fascinated and excited by everything new. You may feel elated to be in a new culture.
2. Culture Shock
Culture shock sets in when you start to become immersed in the culture - experiencing the housing, transportation, food, language and people. Fatigue may result from continuously trying to comprehend and using a second language. You may also experience feelings of discontent, impatience, anger, sadness or incompetence. You may even wonder why you decided to go abroad. However, these feelings are actually a good sign! They indicate that you are not merely skimming the new culture's surface but actually engaging with it through close personal contact.
3. Initial Adjustment
During this period, everyday activities such as housing and going to school are no longer major problems. You feel more comfortable expressing your ideas and feelings in the local language. You may also feel a renewed sense of pleasure and humour at this stage.
4. Mental Isolation
You may experience a recurrence of culture shock after the initial adjustment period since you have been away from your family and friends for some time and may feel lonely or homesick. You may still feel you cannot express yourself as well as you want to in the native language. Frustrations and sometimes a loss of self-confidence result, and it is during this stage, some people decide to return home.
5. Acceptance and Integration
At this stage, you will have established a routine (e.g. work, school, social life) and become accustomed to the country's habits, customs, food, language, people, and characteristics.
6. Return Anxiety, Re-entry Shock, Reintegration
Sometimes re-entry shock can be more difficult than culture shock because we may not expect it. Be prepared to experience a similar adjustment process to the one you experienced adjusting to Canada as you become re-acquainted with your home culture and with your family and friends.

Cultural Adjustment Tips

Be Slow to Judge
First, observe the behaviour and then ask a "cultural informant" (someone who knows the culture) questions in an inviting, respectful manner, such as "tell me about…" "I'm curious about…" or "what does it mean when…" Also, while you observe a given situation, think about how people in your culture would behave in a similar situation - this is an opportunity to learn about yourself and your home culture as you compare it with the new cultural environment.
Develop Familiarity With Your Surroundings
Participate in campus and city tours during the Transitions Orientation program; ask a fellow student to show you around your department; explore your neighbourhood; take the bus or LRT to different Edmonton locations. Take note of recreation areas, post offices and shops in your area and their hours of operation.
Develop Your Language and Study Skills
Attend writing and study skills workshops at the Academic Support Centre. Take an evening ESL course through the Faculty of Extension English Language Program or look at the Tutor Registry to arrange a personal tutor for yourself. Visit your professors during their office hours to clarify the information you may not have understood in class.

You may also consider recording lectures on cassette tape (but ask permission from the professor first). Talk with people any chance you get: fellow students, shopkeepers, bus drivers… everyone! The more you practice your English speaking skills, the more confident you will become. A good conversation starter that works well in Canada is the weather!
Get a Sense of Norms and Behaviour
How do people greet each other? How do they line up for a bus or train? How do they seat themselves in it? How do people behave in shops? What about when walking down the street?
Go to Events Where You Can Meet People
Meet fellow new students, International Centre staff and volunteers at the Transitions orientation. Be sure you are subscribed to the University of Alberta International Student Network (UAISN) to stay informed of upcoming events organized by the International Centre or other groups. Get involved in sports or other student clubs, according to your interests.
Keep in Touch with Friends and Family Back Home
This helps alleviate homesickness and maintains connections that will be important in your re-entry process.
Learn about Canada
Read local newspapers, as well as books about Canadian culture.
Seek additional support if you need It
You cannot avoid experiencing some degree of cultural transition, but you can learn a lot about yourself from the process. If you are experiencing a lot of stress, speak with an advisor at the International Centre, the Peer Support Centre, or University Wellness Services.
Take Care of Yourself
Exercise, get enough sleep, eat regular and nutritious meals and do things you enjoy.
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