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What is Culture Shock?
describes the impact of moving from a familiar culture to one which is unfamiliar. It includes the shock of a new environment, meeting lots of new people and learning the ways of a new country.
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It also includes the shock of being physically apart from the important people in your life - your family, friends, colleagues, teachers and your support network.
Values
Cultures are built on deeply embedded sets of values, norms, assumptions and beliefs. It can be surprising and, sometimes, distressing to fi nd that people do not share some of your most deeply held ideas.
Rules of behaviour
Every culture has unspoken rules which affect the way people treat each other. These may be less obvious but, sooner or later, you will probably encounter them and, once again, the effect may be disorientating.
Language
Constantly listening and speaking in a foreign language is mentally exhausting. If English is not your fi rst language, you may fi nd it takes some time to adjust to a different daily soundtrack.
Climate
Many students fi nd that the Irish climate affects them a lot, as you may be used to a warmer, drier and sunnier climate.
Food
You may fi nd Irish food strange. It may taste different, be cooked differently, or it may seem bland, or heavy compared to what you are used to.
social norms
Some social behaviours in Irish culture may confuse, surprise or even offend you.
Adapted from the UK Council for International Student Affairs website and developed in conjunction with the UCC International Offi ce.
Dress
If you come from a warm climate, you may fi nd it uncomfortable to wear heavier clothes.
