Being in this role has definitely challenged my flexibility, mainly because at any given time, I am a resource to students, a travel guide, a photographer, a translator, or simply just someone to talk to when a student is experiencing culture shock., I originally chose Paris because I thought I wanted to go the fashion industry, but after taking the French Culture and Civilization course, as well as the Oenology course, I discovered a strong passion for French culture, specifically the anthropology of gastronomy and oenology (I swear it’s actually a thing)., Explore your neighborhood, go to a different museum every weekend, make international friends, absorb as much of the culture as you possibly can—this experience won’t last forever. 7.
https://www.ceastudyabroad.com/blog/content-creator/2016/01/25/cea-paris-alumni-spotlight-amy-johnsonIt covers everything from culture shock to monthly expenses!
https://www.ceastudyabroad.com/blog/content-creator/2016/01/19/common-study-abroad-questionsIf just walking around the city and talking to these students weren’t already a culture shock, so was eating the food since my group and I ate it “wrong.”
https://www.ceastudyabroad.com/blog/content-creator/2015/12/01/this-cea-excursion-morocc'ed-my-worldBeing in this position means skillfully multitasking through various situations that arise; at any given time I am a student resource, a blogger, a photographer, a representative of CEA, a travel guide, a translator and a comfort to students experiencing intense culture shock.
https://www.ceastudyabroad.com/blog/content-creator/2015/10/18/cea-paris-alumni-on-site-ambassador-meet-amyOne of the biggest shocks for American students, one that is actually quite common in other parts of the world, other than that whole metric system thing, is the virtual absence of free water or free refills in restaurants., It just goes to show how crazily unique all the different corners of the world can be, and how simply branching out gives you a whole new perspective on your own culture once you’re living in another.
https://www.ceastudyabroad.com/blog/content-creator/2015/10/01/learning-to-live-porteño-10-ways-that-buenos-aires-is-different-from-the-usThough anchovies can be a delicious delicacy on their own, their flavor was very shocking when mixed with the sweetness of the mango, jam, and cream cheese., Besides, Mexican and pizza restaurants are as much a part of American culture as burger joints.
https://www.ceastudyabroad.com/blog/content-creator/2015/09/25/a-class-project-on-bars-only-in-spainFor me culture shock and homesickness were like a one-two punch to the gut.
https://www.ceastudyabroad.com/blog/content-creator/2015/09/17/homesickness-from-best-day-ever-to-i'm-going-to-ugly-cry-for-two-hoursEveryone talks about how studying abroad is a major culture shock, and it is., But there's a secondary culture shock that no one talks about: coming home., The Other Culture Shock: Coming Home
https://www.ceastudyabroad.com/blog/content-creator/2015/07/07/the-other-culture-shock-coming-homeThe Culture!, The first thing that shocked me in Nicaragua was the liveliness of the streets and the people., So if you’re thinking of taking a weekend trip out of Costa Rica, I would definitely recommend spending a few days in Nicaragua and taking in the culture, getting to know the people, all on the cheap.
https://www.ceastudyabroad.com/blog/content-creator/2015/04/03/a-weekend-in-nicaraguaBy meeting locals and other American students, I was able to get out of my comfort zone but still share in some of the “culture shock” moments with my new American friends., Most of the time, they’ll be just as curious about American culture as you are about their culture., Wherever study abroad takes you, there’s no better way to learn about a different culture than hearing about it from the locals themselves.
https://www.ceastudyabroad.com/blog/content-creator/2015/03/24/3-tips-to-meeting-locals-abroadWhether it’s culture shock, the language barrier, or just having a bad day, there are going to be bad days during study abroad, and that’s okay!, If you’re feeling homesick or culture shocked, you will likely not want to go out.
https://www.ceastudyabroad.com/blog/content-creator/2015/03/06/bring-your-hobby-to-study-abroad-(especially-if-it's-ukulele)It is a fantastic place full of so many different cultures that seem to add a bit to your culture shock, but also your understanding.
https://www.ceastudyabroad.com/blog/content-creator/2015/03/05/inside-the-london-school-systemIt’s amazing just how fast another country can become home, how quickly the everyday aspects of another culture become normal., Reverse culture shock can feel strange and even be a bit worrisome., So, here are some of my tips for coping with reverse culture shock., Understanding that reverse culture shock is common is a great way to get rid of that sadness or panic., Reverse culture shock can be a horrible feeling.
https://www.ceastudyabroad.com/blog/content-creator/2015/02/26/well-i'm-home.-now-whatI haven’t been immune to culture shock, but to me that term is a little misleading, as it leads me to envision one giant, instantaneous jolt upon arrival., Culture nuggets, I like to call them., This may be more representative of a more relaxed consumer culture, but I have also discovered that there is an economic rationale behind this: the Argentine peso is not nearly as stable a currency as the dollar, and inflation can cause frequent fluctuation of prices., The more laid back nature of Argentine culture is apparent in other areas as well., Initial Impressions - Buenos Aires Culture Nuggets
https://www.ceastudyabroad.com/blog/content-creator/2015/02/25/initial-impressions---buenos-aires-culture-nuggetsIn search for my crocs, I transformed from a Midwest suburbanite used to a grid street system, to a Gringo experiencing culture shock navigating the disorganized Sevillan streets, to a Gringo enjoying every minute of getting lost in the labyrinthine city.
https://www.ceastudyabroad.com/blog/content-creator/2015/02/23/a-victorious-first-week-abroadThere’s jet lag, culture shock, language barriers, and just the fact that you’re trying to learn how to navigate around a new city., During orientation week, you’ll be trying to make connections to your own culture and customs, rather than accept the differences.
https://www.ceastudyabroad.com/blog/content-creator/2015/02/16/how-to-survive-your-first-week-abroadI want to provide support for our Ambassadors and Alumni while they experience re-entry culture shock and are adjusting back to life in the states.
https://www.ceastudyabroad.com/blog/content-creator/2015/01/28/behind-the-scenes-cea-alumni-relations-associateWhen I began preparing to study in France for the semester, I had absolutely no idea of what to expect in terms of the local student culture., If I’m being honest, though, I wasn’t entirely shocked to discover that by and large, what’s popular in America seems to be equally as popular over here in France.
https://www.ceastudyabroad.com/blog/content-creator/2015/01/17/how-the-french-get-funkyAs I’m counting down to the last few days before I come home, I’m in shock., Even though this is my second time abroad, I’m amazed at how well I was still able to adapt and become a part of the culture, and I’m dreading how hard reverse culture shock will be.
https://www.ceastudyabroad.com/blog/content-creator/2015/01/12/it's-never-goodbye--only-see-you-later