Helping newcomers with culture shock

Gracie is a bilingual social worker who has a lot of school experience conducting new family interviews and helping to determine the social and emotional needs a student is experiencing while starting a new school in the United States. Gracie speaks to us in this video about what the students and parents may experience during cultural shock and adjustment periods.

The Stages of Culture ShockĀ 

Honeymoon: Everything is new and exciting for the student. They are eager to learn and adapt to new things. 

Irritability/Frustration: The “newness” has worn off, and the shock of learning a new culture and new language are more difficult than expected. Students may also start to feel homesick for what they left behind.  

Gradual adjustment: Students may be more accepting of learning a new language and culture. They are slowly beginning to adapt to their new surroundings.

Adaptation of Biculturalism/Acceptance: Students have found a way to integrate their own culture with their new culture. They are making friends and accepting their new norm.

 

 

Here are a few things to remember when working with new students who may be undergoing culture shock:

  • Create a welcoming environment for both students and parents.
  • Trauma can present itself in different ways.
  • Be patient!

 

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