While On Program

There are a few important things to keep in mind that will help you adjust to your new environment and have a positive experience while studing abroad.

Keys to a Successful Experience

  • Sense of Humor: The ability to laugh at your mistakes with the language or culture and persevere is essential to a positive overall experience.
  • Communication: It is essential that you communicate proactively with your host family and local representative while you are on your program, even if you face the challenge of using a different language.
  • Open-mindedness/Flexibility: Be open to new experiences and ways of doing things, and try to understand those that are culturally different before you criticize them.

Helpful Tips for Communicating

  • Focus: Concentrate on what's being said.
  • Withhold Judgment: You will have more success communicating with people if you are trying to understand them rather than judge them. Remember that different is not wrong, it's just different.
  • Be Creative: Be ready to explain your point in more than one way.
  • Pay Attention to the Other Person's Reaction: You can usually tell when you have made a mistake or failed to make yourself clear by someone's verbal and nonverbal reactions.
  • Use Body Language: If you have trouble expressing yourself in the foreign language use body language in addition to speaking.
  • Speak the Host Language and Don't Worry About Making Mistakes! People will appreciate your efforts and understand that mistakes are part of the learning process.

Lines of Communication

It is essential during your program that you discuss any questions or issues with your host family first. If the question or issue is very significant or you are not comfortable raising it with your host family, contact your local representative. If you are having a serious problem that the local representative cannot help you with, they will contact the head overseas organization, who will then notify Ayusa Headquarters in San Francisco about the issue. Ayusa will get in touch with your natural parents and explain the situation.

This method of communication allows all parties to be aware of the situation and work together towards a solution in the most effective and efficient manner. Remember that there are many people who want to help you be successful on your program; trust that you can talk to them!

Insurance

Ayusa students are covered by health and accident and illness insurance provided by AVI Insurance. You can find claim forms and more information about coverage on their website: http://www.avi-international.info
Click on the "English" icon, then enter 620.682 (with the period, and no spaces) to review your coverage information and for instructions on filing a claim.

Travel

Travel outside of your host country during your program is only permitted during school breaks, and with the permission of your host family, natural parents, overseas partner, and Ayusa Headquarters. The Travel Request Form needs to be completed and signed by all parties prior to travel. Students are not permitted to return to the U.S. during their program unless it is for an emergency.
Download the Travel Request Form

Culture Shock

What is Culture Shock?
"Culture Shock" is the term used to describe the process of adjustment a person goes through after moving to a new culture and facing a sudden change of environment, language, academic/social setting, food, and climate.
Phases of Culture Shock (see your student handbook for more information)


 

Honeymoon: During this phase, you will frequently do and observe things that are new to you, giving you a sense of adventure.

Cultural Fatigue: Because you are experiencing a completely new culture and surroundings, while communicating in a foreign language, even most ordinary tasks will require considerable effort. You may become frustrated, withdrawn or tired because you are unable to express yourself as easily as you can in the U.S.

  • Learning Adjustment: You begin to feel more familiar with the new way of life and are more accepting of cultural differences.
  • Integration: Adaptation and Biculturalism: Eventually you will develop the ability to function in the new culture.
  • Re-entry Shock: The re-entry phase occurs when you return to your homeland. See "Returning Home" for tips on handling re-entry shock.

Symptoms of Culture Shock

  • Homesickness
  • Boredom
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplainable crying
  • Stereotyping / Resentment of your host culture
  • Loneliness
  • Compulsive eating
  • Excessive sleeping

Overcoming Culture Shock

  • Talk to your host family or local representative
  • Keep yourself busy!! Find a new activity to do at school or home
  • Take care of yourself by exercising, getting enough sleep, eating properly, and doing things you enjoy
  • Write a letter home to your family instead of calling them frequently
  • Keep a journal of your reflections, including why you are studying abroad
  • Concentrate on your goals for the day/week/month/year
  • Think about the positive aspects of your host country. Try not to dwell on negative aspects
  • Speak the language of your host country, and don't worry if you make mistakes at times!
  • Be patient; don't try to understand everything immediately
  • Give yourself permission to fail; experiment with new customs
  • Explore your surroundings! Go for long walks, to the theater, watch sports events, etc. Be open to new activities.
  • Keep your sense of humor! Don't take things too seriously.

Culture shock is a normal part of adjusting to a new country! Don't be hard on yourself! You are not alone in experiencing it!