Cultural adjustment

Be aware of the challenges of living and studying or working in a different culture.

Watch our short video about cultural adjustment.

What to expect

The reality of living in a different culture is a unique experience. It can be exciting, fun, difficult, frustrating, and life-changing all in one! Even if you're only going abroad for a short time, and even if you’ve travelled a lot in the past or are travelling to somewhere you've visited before, you can still be affected by culture shock and it can take time to adjust. 

Little things you might not have thought of can have more of an impact than you expect. Lots of students find they have highs and lows during their study exchange or work placement. Most manage to overcome their challenges and have a successful exchange or placement. It's part of the experience as you develop into a resilient, problem-solving, global individual. 

Researching key aspects of your exchange or placement destination before you depart can make it easier to settle in when you arrive.

Steps you can take

It’s normal for differences or challenges to get you down or frustrate you, especially after the initial 'honeymoon' period.  

If you are feeling confused or frustrated by things you are experiencing, try to talk to others:

  • Locals or friends from your host institution or organisation may be able to help you get to grips with local customs and lifestyles
  • Your peers from Edinburgh also spending time abroad may be experiencing the same things as you
  • You can share frustrations with family and friends back at home 

Please remember you’re not the only one to experience this. Getting involved in local life at your host institution and in your host town/city may help you adjust more quickly and easily.

Remember that many of the skills you gain from going abroad come from the difficulties you encounter and from going outside your comfort zone. You may not have any influence over the way things are done, so try to stay calm and accept the adjustment is part of the experience of integrating into another culture.

What to do if you're struggling

No matter what you see from others on exchange (through social media or stories you hear), people often project a 'highlight-reel' of their time abroad. If you are struggling, please know that you will not be the only one! 

We are here to help you navigate both the highs and lows. If you are struggling with culture shock or homesickness during your time abroad, please don't suffer in silence. Talk to your host institution, and contact us.  We'll do our best to help.

If you are thinking of returning home, please speak to us as soon as possible to discuss your options and determine next steps. It’s not always possible to slot easily back into your courses at Edinburgh so don't make any decisions lightly.

Contact the SWAY team

Just want to say thank you to the SWAY team. I was struggling greatly during the first half of my exchange but with patience and kind-heartedness from the team they helped me overcome my initial obstacles. 

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