Cultural Adjustment

Cultural Adjustment is a process of growing accustomed to a new culture and becoming comfortable there. Cultural Shock is the feeling of disorientation or confusion that occurs when a person leaves a familiar place and moves to any unfamiliar one.

Since coming to Champlain College from another country, you no doubt have encountered many new things from the architecture, landscape, the taste of the food to the behavior of the people. Moving to a new place that may be very different from your home involves many changes that can affect your health and sense of well-being.

The international student orientation is designed to help you through this transition but if you find you are encountering difficulties adjusting to your new environment or having difficulties adjusting to U.S. academics, please contact your International Student Advisor. Champlain College offers many services to help international students make these types of adjustments including personal counseling.

Visit the U.S. Department of State's Web site on Culture Adjustment/Cultural Shock.