What can your family expect from a Cultural change?
Moving to Mexico
What may be Different? ¡ Moving to another country is not an easy thing to do. Not for parents and certainly it´s not any easier for the children. ¡ Some differences are easy to see, others may be surprising. ¡ People don´t have to change as they move to another country, but it´s important to recognize the differences in order to accept them and deal with them appropriately: § Clothes § Language § Communication § Weather § Food § People § Schools § Values
What to expect? Even though people experience culture shock in different ways, some symptoms are common: ¡ Physical: § Headaches, sickness, lack of appetite, trouble sleeping, exhaustion, stomach or muscle ache. § Allergies or poisoning for food, weather, or pollution.
¡ Emotional: § § § § §
Feelings like sadness, loneliness, anxiety and frustration Being shy all the time Not wanting to be around people, specially different from “us” Feeling left out or misunderstood Extreme homesickness
¡ Cognitive: § Trouble concentrating § Developing negative views of the new culture
What can help? It´s important to work on the symptoms and adapt to the new culture by doing some activities, like for example: ¡ Learn and practice the new language: § Watch local TV § Join after school clubs or teams § Read magazines § Get help from a tutor
¡ Watch what others do to understand what is appropriate ¡ Talk to new friends about your own culture § Invite friends over § Explain your holidays § Share what school is like in your home country
¡ Talk to your family ¡ If needed, talk to the counselor at school
How can parents help? Parents can help and should involve in their children´s adaptation to the new culture. ¡ Communicate with your child’s homeroom teacher regularly ¡ Encourage your child to participate in after school activities that they enjoy ¡ Frequently talk to your child about what they learned in school ¡ Arrange homework support, if needed ¡ Meet other families at ISR ¡ Be patient and remind your child they will need patience also
Get informed Read or listen information about moving to a new country and culture http://teenshealth.org/teen/your_mind/emotions/culture_shock.html
Questions? If you have any questions regarding the Culture, and how to fit in: §  Speak to your Principal, the Vice-Principal or your Homeroom teachers. You are not alone, you can always count on us!