Lehigh University - Study Abroad - Before You Go

Cultural Awareness

Your adventure abroad will introduce and examine not only the culture of your host country but also that of your own culture.

What exactly is culture, anyway?

Culture refers to values, beliefs, attitudes, preferences, customs, learning styles, communication styles, history/historical interpretations, achievements/accomplishments, technology, the arts, literature, etc. – the sum total of what a particular group of people has created together, share and transmit. – R. Michael Paige, Maximizing Study Abroad

Before you go, prepare for your journey by exploring the suggestions below.

Research the country.

What do you know already about your host country? What can you learn before you go? There are a number of guidebooks and electronic resources available to learn about the historical, political, and social context of your future host country. Taking time to read up will certainly help your adjustment to your new life abroad. See our useful links section to help you get started.

Explore the topic of Culture and Cultural Shock. Adjusting to a new culture can feel like a roller coaster ride; understanding why one feels this way can ease negative feelings, and even speed the adjustment process.

Excellent resources:

University of Iowa: study abroad Cultural Adjustment

Peace Corps: cultural matters

What's up with Culture?:On-line cultural training resource for study abroad from the University of the Pacific

Start a journal:

It is easy to put together checklists of things that need to be done or items you want to pack, but once you are overseas, it can be difficult to put down in a list what you want to get out of your experience. One of the best things you can do is to keep a journal either in paper or electronic form. Start your journal by brainstorming your feelings, thoughts, and desires for studying abroad.

Set personal goals:

Think about what you would like to get out of your time abroad and how you would like to return. More independent, knowledgeable of Italian Architecture or Aborigine culture, fluent in Chinese, understand a bit of Danish, be a expert traveler or salsa dancer…add your goals to your journal so you can revisit while abroad.

Our overall advice:

Roll with it! Be flexible, respectful and have a good sense of humor!

Lehigh University Study Abroad will help you along the way!