Cultural Adjustment & Transitioning "Culture is central to the
experience of living overseas". Although Robert Kohls, in his
book Survival Kit for Overseas Living (4th ed. 2001), wrote,
"for Americans planning to live and work abroad", international
students in the States certainly share similar experiences of
cultural adjustments and transitioning while pursuing their
studies. No matter how well the international students offices
prepare the incoming students before their arrival, they are
bound to experience some kind of culture shock and, as a result,
find ways to adapt and survive. Even for international students
who have studied the English Language since kindergarten, they
may still have difficulties, at least for a while, in listening
and understanding American English in a cultural context. The
following are some of the feelings and survival tips expressed
and provided by the international students and advisors.
Feelings of Being Overwhelmed The excitement of living in a new
country and environment, m