Chapter 7: Culture Shock

The Fairfield University program has brought thousands of American university students. To help you get the most from your stay in Firenze, we encourage you to be open to new things. Try to avoid negative comparisons, and keep an open mind about the positive aspects of the Italian way of life. If you are constantly wishing for things to be the way they are in the U.S., you won't be able to enjoy the way they are in your host country! Remember, you have made a decision to expand your perceptions. Yes, it is different in Italy. Florence - the high style, the splendor of art treasures, the fabulous cuisine, and everywhere the evidence of Renaissance masters. So prepare yourself for new places, people, ideas, experiences - and know that the more you open yourself to them, the more you will gain in return!

Some people don't have a very difficult time adjusting; a few "down" days and some annoyances here or there. Other people do have a tougher time. Whether your transition is smooth or rocky will greatly depend on you, and your ability to be flexible and not take yourself too seriously. Culture shock is actually a good thing. It's a necessary step in the study abroad experience, one that helps you to distance yourself from your everyday expectations.

What does culture shock feel like? There's no simple answer. But here are some possible symptoms:

• Feeling dislocated from everything familiar
• Homesickness or crankiness
• Fear of language barriers or accents
• Frustration with getting lost
• Annoyances about lack of conveniences ("it's not like this at home")
• Generalizing after a bad experience with one person ("Italians are rude")
• Feelings of superiority ("We're much more efficient in the U.S.")

How do you overcome these feelings? Just giving yourself a little time to adjust will help. In addition, you should work hard on keeping your mind and eyes open, and guard against negativity.

• Before you leave, learn as much as you can about Florence, and Italy in general.
• Get enough sleep and eat well.
• Look for the positive, not the negative
• Don't isolate yourself; keep active and make new friends.
• Avoid negativity-fests. Instead, get a group of people together and DO something! Go to a museum, play, concert, or park. Explore the streets of Florence (away from the tourist traps).
• Remember, the problem isn't with Florence or Italians, it's with you. And it WILL go away.
• Remember that everyone has to deal with some degree of culture shock.
• Cultivate the ability to laugh at yourself.

You should be able to overcome most of these symptoms in a very short time. Some may be more difficult to overcome. But none of them are fatal! By confronting and overcoming culture shock, you will find two great benefits:

Personal Growth

Everyone says it, from students, to parents, to friends. Studying abroad has a tremendous affect on your personal growth. After a semester or year abroad, you will feel more mature, confident, and self-assured. The unknown will be less daunting, and you'll be much surer of your ability to do things on your own. You'll hone decision-making and problem-solving skills, and come to grips with the need to take responsibility for your actions.

Greater Understanding

Most students embark on study abroad with the understanding that personal growth is imminent. And most students identify the desire to "learn about another culture" as a high priority. But what does that mean? Going to museums and appreciating paintings? Savoring Tuscan cuisine? Learning about the Medici in your history class? Yes, of course. But it also means discussing current events with your Italian neighbors, really putting your Italian language to use whenever possible, staying current on Italian news and politics, learning about the real and perceived differences between northern and southern Italy, exploring small villages and countryside. To really learn about another culture, you have to immerse yourself, not just get your feet wet.

The first step is to include Italians and other nationals in your circle. It's as easy as learning the names of shopkeepers, neighbors and other students. Try not to limit your social contacts to other Americans, which will fence you off from the people you came to Italy to meet. You'll find that the more you learn about individuals, the more you'll be interested Italy and Italians in general. You'll want to know what "makes them tick."

While you're experiencing great personal growth, remember that's only half the equation. Learning about and absorbing the culture of your host country is the just as important.

Burying the "Ugly American"

A part of culture shock is realizing that some aspects of our behavior and some of our attitudes may not be appreciated in Italy and the rest of the world. And further, that non-Americans may sometimes be justified in this.

The "Ugly American" doesn't understand why everyone doesn't speak perfect English, or why other countries choose to do things differently from The American Way. He (or she) has other less-than-endearing qualities. Ugly Americans are loud, immature, wealthy, promiscuous, and tend to be obnoxious drunks. They are in a hurry, and get upset when things don't happen immediately. They are arrogantly patriotic and don't know much about the rest of the world.

Of course, this is a stereotype, but unfortunately, Americans abroad have exhibited these enough of these negative qualities to give birth to the stereotype. So it's important to demonstrate that you don't fit that description. It may call for a little patience and restraint on your part, but it's well worth the effort. Distancing yourself from the need to have everything done now, conducting yourself discreetly, and not comparing everything to the ("better") way we do it at home will help you to appreciate the way things are done in Italy, thereby enriching your cultural experience.

Anti-American Sentiment

You may find yourself in a situation where you hear America criticized. Italians and others do not always agree with American foreign policy, or with American business practice. Try not to take personal offense. Italians, like everyone else, are entitled to their opinions. Instead of becoming defensive, you might want to ask the other person some questions so that you can begin to understand his or her beliefs and motivations. Learning to see the world from a different perspective is part of your study abroad education.

If you respond defensively, you will only reinforce the Ugly American stereotype. By presenting yourself as a person interested in learning about cultural and political differences, you not only defuse the situation, you better represent yourself as a thoughtful, intelligent American.