1. Cultural awareness

2. Cultural Awareness Agenda General info - what is Culture? - Cultural Adjustment & Adaptation Tips for Cultural Adjustment Short Break Culture Panel & Questions

5. The iceberg metaphor appearence, fashion, language, food, art, customs, social behavior… values, beliefs, attitudes, religion, living conditions, history…

6. Examples First name basis with professor Academic performance Right to academic support Like to be on time, punctual Dating habits Drinking habits “Fika” Take shoes off indoors ”Bus behavior” – personal space Waiting in line

9. Cultural Adaptation/Adjustment Adapting to a new culture means… Individual differences … but also Stages of Cultural Adjustment A continuous on-going process

10. Stages of Cultural Adjustment The Honeymoon Stage The Hostility Stage/Culture Shock The Initial Adjustment Stage The Integration/Acceptance Stage The Home Stage/Re-entry Shock

11. The Culture Shock Also – the Hostility Stage Confrontation with different behaviors and values Confusion, frustration, anxiety, anger … Feeling homesick Low self-esteem/confidence Impatience, judgmentalism – rejection of new culture

12. The Culture Shock cont. Academic difficulties… Language Communication Concentration and Memory ”Incompetence” – feeling less intelligent Procrastination

14. Read and discuss…

15. General TIPS for successful intercultural adjustment Establish routines – take care of yourself Also, create study routines; where, when and how to study. Find a balance between studies and free time Be active – explore your surroundings Exercise e.g. if you played tennis back home then join a tennis club. If you are not use to exercise, then go for walks

16. General TIPS for successful intercultural adjustment cont. During the dark season – try to get as much (sun)light as possible Meet people, talk to people, create support networks - Join a nation, student union or other student organization - Check the International Newsletter and go to Hälsningsgillet! - Remember “fika” is a good way to get to know Swedes Stay in touch with family and friends back home. Find a balance between old and new friends

17. General TIPS for successful intercultural adjustment cont. Try to become aware of your own cultural background (values, traditions etc.) – it helps when trying to understand a new culture Be aware of the differences (communication styles, learning styles, academic demands etc.) and learn to accept them without judgment Lower your expectations when it comes to your initial academic performance. It is NORMAL to experience difficulties regarding concentration, memory etc. during a transitional period

18. General TIPS for successful intercultural adjustment cont. Adapting to a new culture includes some degree of culture shock. This can be difficult to handle on your own. Be open to your reactions, talk to friends and don’t hesitate to contact the Student Health Centre if needed

19. Courses and seminars Follow up seminar on Cultural awareness 11th of November Stress course Mindfulness course Procrastination seminar

20. Welcome to the Student Health Centre! www.lunduniversity.lu.se/student-health

21. ENJOY!