What’s the Deal With… CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT WORKSHOP: HEALTHY TRANSITIONS TO LIFE IN THE US Maria Luz Berbery, Ph.D. and Patricia Barros Gomes, Ph.D. Mental Health Services at Colonial Health Center

Welcome!  In groups of 2 or 3… What is one thing that has surprised you about U.S. culture since you arrived in the U.S.?

Outline for Today  Transitions to expect  Culture shock stages  Tips and suggestions for healthy adjustment  GWU’s Mental Health Services at Colonial Health Center and the services we offer

Healthy Transitions  Adjustment to the U.S. and D.C.  New language (and people might talk too fast!)  Separation from friends and family  Developing a new social support network here  Different food  Clothes/weather  Measurement system  Unfamiliar streets and transportation system

More transitions… Adjusting to GWU  Unfamiliar university campus  Adjustment to the academic demands of GWU  Different expectations of and from professors  Different rules for classrooms  wait… you can eat in class?!

What is Culture Shock?  A feeling of disorientation when living in a new country.  Normal adjustment period  A response to a change in the environment  We all experience it to some degree  Culture shock has its distinct phases

What is Culture Shock?

The Honeymoon or Tourist Phase It is characterized by interest, excitement, sleeplessness, positive expectations, and ideal impressions of the new country The differences are exciting and interesting. Although there may be stress, these tend to be interpreted positively.

The “Shock” Phase Things start to go wrong, minor issues become major problems, and cultural differences become irritating.  Why don’t Americans understand me? I can’t express myself the way I want.  Why do Americans say “How are you?” when they really mean “hello”?  Why do they say “let’s have lunch” when they have no intention to do it?  Why are Americans always smiling? They seem fake!  I keep getting lost!  My classes are harder than I expected!  I miss my family and friends!

Normal Negative Reactions to Leaving Home  Sadness  Loneliness  Frustration  Anger  Homesickness

Adjustment & Reorientation Phase  After a while, the culture begins to make sense  Negative reactions are reduced as we recognize that many problems are due to our inability to understand, accept, and adapt  During the adjustment phase we develop a positive attitude toward meeting the challenges which confront us.

Adaptation Phase  The fourth stage is achieved when we demonstrate stable patterns of adaptation to the new culture.  We develop a bicultural identity-a mix of both our culture at home and American cultures  We recognize how we can “fit” in both countries, and this is seen as a strength rather than a compromise

What Helps Us Adjust?  Learn about differences in educational systems.  Language  Educational structure  Teaching strategies  Expectations for students (for example, more participation, interaction, critical challenge of the material)  Teacher-student relationships (differences in communication styles, attitudes toward authority)  Classroom etiquette (Etc.)

What Helps Us Adjust?  Make sure to take care of yourself and have a well-balanced life outside school.  Keep active – in addition to studying hard, your body needs some physical activity!  Try to branch out and meet people from different countries  Join campus groups/organizations  Staying in contact with family and friends from home is helpful, but avoid spending excessive time on Skype or your cell phone  See the adventure in being here! Remember to keep an open mind, try new things

What Helps Us Adjust?  Use your sense of humor  Focus on your goals:  Remind yourself why you are here!  Try to have patience. Be realistic about what can be accomplished each day.  Remember that everyone experiences culture shock, and everyone is of a minority group somewhere in the world

Tips to Cope with Culture Shock (by previous international students)  Ask other students about their experiences at GWU.  Interact with your peers and with professors! Try to make your own network in GWU.  Ask for help if you need it!  Utilize campus resources:  International Services Office  Colonial Health Center  Writing Center  Peer Tutoring Service  Utilize professors’ office hours

What is Counseling? In the United States, counseling is increasingly used as a way to help manage stress, emotions, difficulties. Talking to an objective, trained professional about things on your mind and your feelings in a safe, private, and friendly environment A MHS counselor can help you: Learn new skills to manage your feelings Better understand what is bothering you Provide a new and different way to look at situations Goal is to help you feel more in control and give you skills to solve your problems

Myths about Counseling? “Counseling is for sick or crazy or weak people.” Fact: Seeing a MHS counselor does not mean you are crazy or weak. Mental health issues are real and they can affect ANYONE We see a wide range of GW students who need support with transitions, managing school, increasing their self-confidence. It takes a lot of courage to want change and address struggles Going to counseling is a way of taking control and helping yourself “Counseling doesn’t work.” Fact: Large body of research that shows the benefits of counseling and therapy If you had an unsuccessful counseling experience in past, might be worth trying again It takes effort, time, and investment to make changes

Myths about Counseling? “Professors or friends will hear about it; Counseling may hurt me in job or school applications.” Fact: What you discuss with your MHS counselor and your records are kept confidential and private. Counseling records are kept separate from your academic records We cannot release any information or even that you have met with a counselor without your permission Only exception is if there is immediate danger, then counselors have to act on that information (this is reviewed during the 1 st meeting)

Myths about Counseling? “The MHS counselor cannot understand me unless they are from the same background.” Fact: Experiences and reactions vary widely from individual to individual, even from the same culture. Counselors are trained to be sensitive and respective of individual differences We respect and honor all diversity —gender, age, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status

Reasons International Student Use the MHS Adjustment Issues to the U.S., Washington, D.C., GWU, and a new educational system Concerns about academic performance or career choice Feeling disconnected from family and friends back home Difficulties communicating with professors, making friends, developing support system here Relationship issues with partner, friends roommates Difficulty managing stress, having trouble sleeping and eating too much or too little Concerns about disappointing others

Concerns International Student Might Talk About To a MHS Counselor Feeling overwhelmed and stressed out Hard to concentrate or feeling confused and disorganized Feeling lack of confidence Feeling lonely, homesick, don’t belong Feeling sad, worried, angry, guilty Torn between values & beliefs from home culture vs. US culture Not knowing how to connect or work with domestic students

GWU Mental Health Services Locations  Main location: Foggy Bottom campus:  Colonial Health Center - the Marvin Center, Ground Floor  st St., NW, Ground Floor Washington, DC  Satellite location:  Mount Vernon Campus  Academic Building, Room 119 Website: counselingcenter.gwu.edu Phone number:

Hours and Eligibility Hours Foggy Bottom Campus: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am— 5pm Wednesdays 9 am-7 pm. Mount Vernon Campus: Monday, Tuesday, Thursdays 11 am – 7 pm. Friday 9am-5 pm. Eligibility All enrolled full-time and part-time GWU students

Services offered at the Mental Health Services at Colonial Health Center  Short-term Individual Counseling One-on-one meetings with a counselor  Group Counseling Meeting with two counselors and other students who are experiencing the same issue or want to work on the same issue Offering many groups this semester including an International Student Support Group! All groups are FREE!  Consultation and referrals Speak to a counselor by phone if you have any questions or need more information

Urgent Care Services From 10am to 3pm Monday-Friday any student experiencing a crisis or having an urgent need can come to the Mental Health Services for a brief meeting (15- 20mins) Drop-in without an appointment After Hours Call Mental Health Services main number, , after closing to speak with an after-hours counselor Assistance with withdrawals from classes due to mental health concerns And more!

Tips for handling adaptation difficulties  Please see handout for additional tips and information. Good luck and have a great first semester at GWU!