postcards from the u.s. the cultural journey of yi chen an international student

Postcards from the U.S.The Cultural Journey of Yi Chen

An International Student

While living in the US, you may go through 7 phases of cultural adjustment. These phases are symbolized by the photographs on the other side. For example the jet may symbolize the experience of arriving or leaving the US. The bridge may symbolize crossing over to a new culture.

1. Which photograph do you like the most? Why?

2. Using your imagination, try to guess what each picture may symbolize about living and adjusting to U.S. culture. There are no wrong answers.

3. What do you expect to be the most difficult thing about living in the US? Why?

Group Discussion

© 2000 by David Schaumburg

Postcards from the U.S.

The Cultural Journey of Yi Chen . . .An International Student

Concept, text, and diagrams of Postcards from the US © 2000 by David Schaumburg.Photographs from Microsoft PowerPoint 2000. Used by permission.

Introduction

Hi! My name is Yi Chen. I am an international student from the People’s Republic of China. I’m a graduate student in Computer Science. I want to share with you some very interesting post cards. They are special because they describe my journey of adjusting to American culture.

I hope you enjoy looking at my postcards and the messages that I sent to my family about life in the U.S. These postcards may soon describe your story too. Not everyone will have the same experience that I had in adjusting to American culture, but I hope that you will gain insights from my story that may be helpful to you. Here’s my first postcard…


The Adventure of Arrival

The Adventure of ArrivalInitial attitudes and experiences in the U.S.

Dear Family,It was difficult saying goodbye. My heart was sad to be leaving, yet, excited after many preparations to finally be on my way. As we began to fly over the U.S. I felt as I if was looking out over my future. Many things looked so beautiful. But sometimes there were a lot of clouds in the sky too. This reminded me of some of my doubts about the future. By the time we landed I was very tired from the long flight. Many questions were in my mind. How easy would it be to find the university and a place to live? Would I like the food? How difficult would my studies be? Although I was tired, I told myself that I needed to stay focused on the positive and have an accepting and flexible attitude. I will write you again soon.


The Sandy Slope of Expectations

The Sandy Slope of ExpectationsExpecting the ideal… adjusting to the real

Dear Family,I would have written to you sooner but I have been so busy. Everything I do takes more time than I expected. It is like I am moving very slowly through deep sand. Yet all the Americans rush by as if they were on a highway. Obviously they know where they are going and what they have to do. I want to catch up… but it is a slow process. I am excited about some things in the U.S. and disappointed about others. Not everything is as good as I thought it would be. My expectations are slowly changing as I try to learn the reality of living in a new culture.


The Lake of Retreat

The Lake of Retreat Personal “retreats” from stress are needed

Dear Family,It has already been a few months since I arrived in the U.S. Soon I will be having my first major exams. The stress of living in the U.S. is building up. I feel the pressure to succeed all the time. Last weekend I visited this beautiful lake that reflects a mountain in the background. It reminded me to reflect about home and why I am here. I can’t reach the top of the mountain, but I can enjoy the reflection. I miss you, but my heart is encouraged when I think about your support for me. You may be far away, but I can “travel in my mind” to home and feel better. It’s like taking a mini-vacation. It was so refreshing at the lake that I wished I could stay forever. But I did the right thing. I went back to school.


The Forest of Culture Shock

The Forest of Culture ShockFeeling “lost” in a new culture

Dear Family,It is hard to believe that my first semester is over. It feels good to have a break in my studies, yet it gives me time to realize how much I miss home. There is a beautiful forest close to the campus. One day I decided to take a walk in the forest. But, soon I was lost. After an hour I found my way back. That is what my life is like right now. When I first entered the “forest” of U.S. culture, it looked so inviting and beautiful. Yet, the deeper I go into the “forest” of this culture, I feel like I am lost. Life in the U.S. can be overwhelming. I am tired of always thinking in English, frustrated with U.S. customs, critical of Americans, and tired of the food. My counselor tells me I have a common sickness. It’s called “homesickness!” I will try to write you again soon.


The Uphill of Cultural Adjustment

The Hill of Cultural AdjustmentFinding ways to successfully live in a new cultureDear Family,I am learning that it takes extra effort to live in a new culture. It is an uphill climb. When I get discouraged I remember what my international student counselor said, “Other international students have made it… you can too! You don’t have to create a new path. The road to success, even though it is uphill, is well traveled.” I am learning that the road to success includes a proper diet, rest, exercise, making new friends, and learning to accept differences without having to agree. It helps a lot that I have made many new friends, including fellow international students and an American family. My friends have helped me realize that I am not alone. I realize my feelings are normal and I can succeed if I keep climbing the hill of cultural adjustment.


The Lighthouse of Guidance

The Lighthouse of GuidanceNavigating through cultural change

Dear Family,Before coming to the U.S., I never knew life had so many choices. Sometimes it is difficult to know which changes to make. During spring break I visited a lighthouse that was used to guide ships during bad weather. Sometimes I wish I had a lighthouse to guide me through all the changes and choices I face. I want to choose what’s best, but it is difficult to know how. Many of my ideas are changing and I am becoming “bi-cultural.” I never thought this would happen to me, but it has. I hope you will accept these changes. One thing, though, will never change: my devotion and respect for you.


The Bridge to the Future

The Bridge to the FutureStepping into the future with confidence

Dear Family,In one year I will complete my studies. I do not know what the future holds. If I return home, I know there will be new adjustments because I am not the same person who left home. If I am able to stay in the U.S., I will probably even change more. Although the future is “cloudy,” the bridge I must cross is the same for everyone. It’s a bridge of self-confidence. I may not be able to control my future, but I can control my attitude. When I reflect on my earlier experiences in the U.S., there were times when everything seemed out of control. Now my confidence has been rebuilt. I have decided to move ahead, believing that the path will become clear as I take each step. Thank you for all you have done to make my journey possible.

Discussion & Activity

1. Describe for the group what you were thinking and feeling when you first “landed” (arrived) in the U.S.

2. If you were to write a postcard to your family what would the message say? Share this with the group.

3. Mail a postcard to your family and share some of your experiences since arriving in the U.S. You may want to send them a postcard of the university campus.

4. Keep a journal of your experiences in the US. Review the postcards once a semester and record your progress in your journal.


A Technical Explanation


Introduction

Postcards from the U.S. The Cultural Journey of Yi Chen… An International Student and Postcards from the U.S. – Revisited are designed to stimulate feelings and the imagination. They are experience oriented. For most international students, a story usually communicates more clearly than an abstract concept.

The following slides give a brief technical explanation involving the theoretical and proven assumptions about culture shock.


Adaptation of the “U” Curve

ContactSurprise

CopingStruggle

ConflictStress

Clash- Sadness

Conn

ectio

nSu

ppor

t

ChangeSelf-

identity

ConfidenceSuccess

Sandy Slope ofExpectations

Lake of Retreat

Adventure ofArrival

Forest of Culture Shock

Uph

ill of

C

ultur

al A

djustm

ent

Ligh

thou

seof

Gui

danc

e

Bridge tothe Future


The “U” Shaped Arrow

A Shallow “U” Curve Is Possible

Factors Affecting the Depth of Culture Shock: Duration of time Distance culturally Denial of cultural differences Disposition Diversity capability Depth of language ability

Levels of Culture Shock

Mental

Emotional

Spiritual

Physical

Social

Academic

Areas of Culture Shock

Culture shock begins with cognitive dissonance, often at a sub-conscious level. It may impact all areas of life.


Areas of Culture Shock

Culture shock begins with cognitive dissonance, often at a sub-conscious level. It may impact all areas of life.

Dissonance

Depression

Loss of mission

Sleep loss, etc.

Isolation

Poor grades


Key to Success

The key to success in a new culture is toadapt yourself through a positive mental attitude!

Positive MentalAttitude


Positive Mental Attitude

ContactSurprise

CopingStruggle

ConflictStress

Clash or CollisionShock / Sadness

Conn

ectio

nSu

ppor

t

ChangeSelf-identity

ConfidenceSuccessA = Approach as an adventure

D = Do not live in denialA = Accept differencesP = Practice humor

A-D-A-P-T

The “Water Closet” (W.C.) Story[1

The story is told of a husband and wife from England who were planning a vacation trip to the Untied States. Part of their plans included a week long stay at a campground. They were going to be staying in old fashion cabins. They had heard from some friends who had previously traveled to the U.S. that the "rest rooms" (toilets) were sometimes located quite a distance from the cabins. This concerned the wife, so she decided to write to the Camp Director.

Dear Camp Director,My husband and I are hoping to stay at your

campground for one week this winter. Before we finalize our plans, I would like to know where the "W.C." is located.

Sincerely,Mrs. Johnstone

The “Water Closet” (W.C.) Story

When the Camp Director received the letter, he was rather confused as to what the W.C. referred to. When he asked his staff for some help, one of them replied, "I bet I know what she is referring to. She wants to know where the "Welcome Center" (WC) is located. The Director immediately agreed immediately and wrote the following letter:

The “Water Closet” (W.C.) Story[1

Dear Mrs. Johnstone,The W.C. that you asked about is located 10 miles from the

camping area. This may seem like quite a distance to travel, yet there is a bus shuttle that you can use. It passes through the camping area several times a day. Please keep in mind, though, that the W.C. is closed after 5 PM and all day on Sundays!

We have found that some of our visitors are little shy and do not like to visit the W.C. alone. Please do not worry. The bus driver is well trained and he will take you directly into the W.C. and introduce you to our W.C. greeters. You will soon discover how friendly Americans can be. Since the view from the W.C. is so spectacular, many people plan to stay for a least a few hours. Our friendly staff will be availabe to answer any questions you might have. I can promise you this: You’ll never be bored or lonely at the W.C.!

If you let me know when you will be using our W.C. for the first time, I will meet you there. I always enjoy giving our international visitors a special welcome. Plus, it will give me a good reason to go again. It is has been several weeks since I last went to the W.C. If you have any more questions, please let me know!

Sincerely,The Camp Director

The “Water Closet” (W.C.) Story

What is the lesson to be learned? We need to learn to allow ourselves to make mistakes and laugh at ourselves when we do. We need to practice humor instead of becoming critical and frustrated.

Adaptation of the “U” Curve

ContactSurprise

CopingStruggle

ConflictStress

Clash- Sadness

Conn

ectio

nSu

ppor

t

ChangeSelf-

identity

ConfidenceSuccess


A = Ask questionsD = Develop childlikenessA = Accept differencesP = Practice humorT = Time for renewal

A-D-A-P-T

An Essential Principle

Home Country: Needs met by direct power

UnconsciouslySwitched

United States:Needs met bybattery power

You need to take time torecharge your batteries!


Remember:“U” Can Succeed!

“Good luck on your journey!”


Revisited


Introduction

Hopefully you remember the first presentation of Postcards from the U.S. The Cultural Journey of Yi Chen… An International Student.

This second presentation is a series of short true stories of international students experiencing each of the seven phases of cultural adjustment (seven postcards).These stories can be used for personal reflection or for group discussion.



The Adventure of Arrival

The Adventure of Arrival: Initial attitudes & experiences in the U.S.

Story: An international student from southern Asia, Dinesh, was arriving for the first time in the U.S. at the San Francisco airport. After spending many hours flying from his home country, he was very tired. Walking through the airport, he noticed a sign, “Restrooms.” He thought to himself, “How innovative Americans are! They even provide a place in the airport to rest and relax and maybe I can even take a nap.” Dinesh quickly rushed with all his luggage to get to the restroom. As the student entered the restroom, his excitement quickly changed to surprise and embarrassment.Discussion or personal reflection: (1) What would be the best way to respond if this happened to you? (2) Think about a time when you were surprised by something you have encountered in the U.S. Share this with the group.



The Sandy Slope of Expectations

The Sandy Slope of Expectations: Expecting the ideal; adjusting to the realStory: Two international students from the Middle East were excited about attending a “welcoming reception” for new international students that was hosted by the president of the university. They wore dress shirts and ties. They were looking forward to meeting the president and enjoying a meal with other students. They were surprised when they saw the president wearing a casual shirt without a tie. The president gave a brief welcome speech and then left for an important meeting. The only food was cookies and ice tea. The students, who were expecting a formal reception, were very disappointed and confused. Discussion or personal reflection: (1) What could the students have done to avoid this disappointing situation? (2) Social events provide a unique challenge for international students since expectations may be very different. How can you prepare yourself for these differences?



The Lake of Retreat

The Lake of Retreat: Personal “retreats” from stress are needed

Story: A dozen international students in California were taken on a trip to Yosemite National Park by some American friends. It was the middle of the semester and some of the students almost stayed behind because they were so busy with their course work. Others could not wait to get away from their studies. In the setting of beautiful trees, mountains, lakes and waterfalls, many were able to relax for the first time since the beginning of the semester. Most of the students had not realized how stressed they were. The time in the park was very refreshing. They felt they could now face their stressful life with more strength. The only negative about the trip was that some students did not want to return to the campus. They wanted to spend the rest of the semester enjoying the park and relaxing!Discussion or personal reflection: (1) How do you cope with the stress of studying and living in the US? (2) Have you taken any significant breaks from your studies? What did you do? (3) When could withdrawing from stress become a negative influence?



The Forest of Culture Shock

The Forest of Culture ShockFeeling “lost” in a new cultureStory: A Muslim international student, Sasha, spent her first semester in the U.S. living in a dormitory. Her roommate was an American. Very quickly clashes began. Her roommate wanted rock music playing when she studied. She would invite friends into her room when Sasha was trying to study. One evening Sasha walked into her dorm room to find her roommate and boyfriend having sex. Sasha was so embarrassed she did not return to her room for the rest of the week. She found another international student who let her sleep on her floor. Sasha felt like she had no friends and decided to go home in the middle of the semester. At the airport, several Americans from her dorm and her roommate showed up to say goodbye. With tears, they said, “We are going to miss you!” Sasha was really confused as she boarded the plane.Discussion and personal reflection: (1) Why do you think the Americans showed their “friendship” at the “last minute?” (2) What could Sasha have done to cope with these clashes and remain in the U.S.?



The Uphill of Cultural Adjustment

The Uphill of Cultural Adjustment: Finding ways to successfully live in a new culture

Story: In Colorado there is a national park that has beautiful natural rock formations. It is a popular place for Americans and many international students and guests to visit. As you drive through the park there is a place that goes through a narrow passageway with high walls of rock. It is called, “Narrows.” For many years, many visitors would turn back at the entrance because it appeared that it was too narrow for their cars to fit. The park rangers finally solved the problem by putting up a sign that read, “Narrows: Others have made it, you can too!”Discussion or personal reflection: (1) What have you learned since coming to the U.S. that has encouraged you or helped you with cultural adjustment? (2) What kind of activities do you do with others that helps you feel energized and supported? (3) If an international student was struggling with making new friends, what advice would you give?



The Lighthouse of Guidance

The Lighthouse of Guidance: Navigating through cultural changeStory: An international student from Asia came to see her host family before returning to her home country. She told her family that her parents were arranging a marriage for her. She said, “I come from a very traditional family but I will choose my own husband.” Her American family asked her, “Do you realize how much you have changed?” She responded, “I have been very careful to surround myself with Chinese friends, eat Chinese food, and maintain regular contact with my family. I have not changed.” The family gently said, “Don’t you see? You have become more of an individual and want to make your own choices. Would you have thought of telling your family you wanted to choose your own marriage partner before coming to the U.S.?” She said, “You are right. I wonder what other changes I have made. I wish I could have realized this earlier.” Discussion or personal reflection: (1) In what ways do you believe that you will change in the U.S.? (2) What resources will you use to help you navigate through change in the U.S. (e.g., family values, tradition, religion, friends, own choices, etc.)? (3) What strategies could an international student use to better control the cultural pressures to change?



The Bridge to the Future

The Bridge to the Future: Stepping into the future with confidence

Story: An international student who had graduated went to see one of his advisors about returning home. He told the advisor, “I did not believe you when you told us during orientation that we would change and become bicultural. I now realize that I have changed and I am fearful about returning home. I am afraid that I may have trouble fitting in. I also have many friends here and a good job offer. Maybe I should try to stay in the U.S. Maybe I should try to get another degree. Leaving the university after 5 years is difficult. What should I do?”Discussion or personal reflection: (1) What would you say to this student? (2) What can the student do to turn his fears into confidence?


A Helpful Tool

• Purchase a blank notebook to use as a journal. Studies show this can be a helpful tool for self-management and mental health. Self-reflection helps you to review your progress and renew your purpose. It can also be a key tool in helping you control the changes you are experiencing.

• Make entries every day, once a week or monthly. Describe any of the cultural phases you are going through or simply write your own “story” that you would like to share with your family someday.


postcards from the u.s. the cultural journey of yi chen an international student

Documents

diagrams of postcards

new culture

american culture

neededdear family

realdear family

ideal adjusting

reality of living

international studentconcept