postcards from the u.s

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

Postcards from the U.S.

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

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 Uphill of Cultural AdjustmentFinding ways to successfully live in a new culture

Dear 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 confidenceDear 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.


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

Group 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

The “U” Shaped Arrow

ContactSurprise

CopingStruggle

ConflictStress

Clash or CollisionShock / Sadness

Conne

ction

Suppo

rt

ChangeSelf-identity

ConfidenceSuccess

Sandy Slope ofExpectations

Lake of Retreat

Adventure ofArrival

Forest of Culture Shock

Uphill of Cultural

Adjustment

Lighthouseof Guidance

Bridge tothe Future


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

MentalEmotionalSpiritualPhysicalSocial

Academic


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

DisharmonyDepression

Loss of missionSleep loss, etc.

IsolationPoor 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


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


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[1Dear 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


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.

Positive Mental Attitude

ContactSurprise

CopingStruggle

ConflictStress


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

T = Take time for renewal

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!”

postcards from the u.s

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