Culture shock real for international students

| May 23, 2012
Moving to any new country can be a difficult journey of adjusting to life in a new environment. Vivian Chen looks at Australian culture through the eyes of an international student.

People always say that if you are going to a different country, you should prepare yourself for “cultural shock”. 

I did not expect to be shocked after being soaked in western media during my four years study of English in college back in China.  However, when I came to Australia to pursue a master degree, the differences came from every aspect of life, no matter how well I thought I knew.

As an international student coming from one of the biggest cities in China, I had some unexpected experiences in Sydney. The early closing shopping hours come on top of the list. It gets a bit disappointing when I find that the only entertaining activities you may seek after dinner are bars and clubs.  This perhaps can be labelled as one of the cultural differences. Australians, from my observation, are in love with pubs, clubs and bars. They are the most popular places where people hang out with old friends and meet new ones. In this respect the Chinese, like all those with an eastern background, are somewhat reserved and shy when it comes to body and movement.  So the Chinese end up going to play board games and sing karaoke in KTVs.

Apart from the little differences in leisure activities, there is one thing that strikes me immensely is the attitude toward life. From what I have seen, Australians generally live a casual life without worrying about others’ judgments.  The attitude of being oneself and not judging people by races, sexual orientation or classes is what I appreciate most. I feel that in China, we worry too much about what others think of us and always want to prove ourselves in order to earn respect. These days there seems to be a growing trend in China to pursue wealth and fame and to idolize the successful and the super stars. It is not all bad, but somehow I blame it for having a negative impact on the youth in that it encourages more imitation of the successful rather than finding one’s own style and attitude. So many youngsters yearn to stand out as different, yet most end up as another duplicate.

During my one year in Australia I have experienced a great many festivals, parades and celebrations, which led me to believe that Australians are obsessed with festivals, holidays, sunbathing on the beaches and picnics in the parks.  It is such a casual and carefree lifestyle that it almost invites my jealousy.  Life is simple and peaceful here. This is probably the reason why so many are drawn to this country and wish to settle down. I think it's nature’s blessing that indulges the people and nurtures their love for sports and passion for festivals. Then I find the ways to pull myself out of the boring schedule – to discover the fun and experience the difference.

These things have become the outlook through which I can learn about the Australian culture – the parade, the festival, and the rally.  Some are for fun like the zombie walk; some are for social justice and equality like the Mardi gras and ‘free the refugee rally’.  The idea of bringing the people together , verbalising opinions and being open minded, tolerating, social responsibility is brilliant and deserve to be encouraged and embraced.

I think Australians are lucky in that the infrastructure and the social welfare and legal systems were laid out quite well when the country was founded.  For China however, there has been a series of dramatic changes during the past decades – it is an ancient nation yet fairly new in the modern sense, therefore leading to various problems in educational, political and economic system awaited to be ratified.

Another difference I discovered lies in the way of thinking. This came from my experience of studying in the University of Sydney. What impressed me enormously is the individuality and critical thinking. I find that the local students are fearless in class. They cast doubts, speak up about confusions and express different opinions. You can clearly observe their independent and critical way of thinking from the interactive communication with the lecturer and fellow students. I find discussion a common theme in classroom which means students as well as the lecturers, play an equally important role. In general students in China are less likely to speak up. The Confucianism in china has such an enduring hold on the people that it generates a culture of respecting authority and following the instructions of them. Lecturers and professors represent some kind of authority that is not to be challenged or doubted.  Students are expected to understand and remember but seldom do they ask questions.

As I recalled my early days in school, I remember I was taught to memorise, exercise and prepare for the exams. Exam is the key word. It weighs so much more in one’s life (not just academic life) that an average Australian may not possibly understand. We grew up in a world tangled with tests and exams. The sad thing about it is that many teenagers set big goals, such as passing the exams and getting enrolled in the famous university. It is a single-minded and arbitrary choice yet many do not know how to explore the other options or are not allowed o by their parents.  The famous exam-oriented education in China has been around for years and received harsh criticism, yet no solution has been found. I always wonder how could an educational mode that has been proved to work so well hundreds of years ago fail us now? I haven’t found answers but I appreciate what I have picked up here in the university – to think independently and critically, to doubt fearlessly before accepting.  It is from the process of your own inquisition, exploration, research and demonstration that you learn.

There are a lot more to tell when it comes to the topic of cultural differences but I cannot go on forever. Being in Australia makes me realise it is not only about discovering and acknowledging the differences, but accepting, tolerating and embracing them. To reflect on them gives a much more profound understanding of the culture and the people. I was trying hard to fit in when I first came but not any more. I believe in a country like Australia where multiculturalism is the key word, being who you are – appreciating and embracing our differences is the right thing to do.

 
Vivian Chen is from China and  once studied English literature at Sichuan International Studies University. She is now a master of publishing student at the University of Sydney.  She was on cultural exchange  in Denmark for one year in 2003  and is now studying in Australia for a year. She hopes to work in the media and cultural industry after graduation.

 

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0 Comments

  1. catherine fritz-kalish

    catherine fritz-kalish

    May 24, 2012 at 4:40 am

    well done

    Vivien, this is an outstanding blog and one which has shown me into your world and perspective clearly and honestly. I will make sure my children read your piece because I think having been born in Australia, they lack an appreciation for how hard adapting to a new culture can be and also how liberating.

    Well done,

    • Vivian Chen

      Vivian Chen

      May 30, 2012 at 1:46 am

      Thank you

      Thank you Catherine. I appreciate the chance of sharing my perspective on openforum. I believe that different people have different opinions about what they experienced and what I have here is just one aspect. I hope that your kids will not be "scared away" if they want to go to explore another country After all, it is really good exprience.

      Vivian

      • and_13753

        August 2, 2012 at 6:33 am

        Culture

         Vivian, its a well written article that clearly demonstrates wisdom, tolerance and patience in today’s modern society. I have been living and working in China for the past 7 years and I clearly understand where your coming from in relation to the culture differences.

        Keep up the good work.

  2. sourish

    April 18, 2013 at 9:46 am

    It’s true but…

    Whatever Chen u r saying as on your experience, it's true.. but we can manage as we can do anything.

  3. ccollin6

    September 22, 2013 at 1:01 pm

    Cultlure Shock

    A well written and very personal interpretation of your actual experience. It is a beautiful thing when objectivity allows you to see the contrast of culture and honestly allows you to evaluate and celebrate that diversity. 

  4. John Warner

    June 14, 2014 at 6:36 pm

    Leaving home

    Leaving home and traveling to study in a new country can be a stressful experience, even though it may be something you have planned and prepared for. Many people are surprised when they experience the impact of culture shock, and it can be helpful to realize your experience is actually quite normal.

  5. RobertTurner

    July 19, 2014 at 8:10 pm

    Re:

    It includes the shock of a new environment, meeting lots of new people and learning the ways of a new country. It also includes the shock of being separated from the important people in your life, such as friends, colleagues, and teachers: people you would talk to at times of uncertainty, people who give you support and guidance.

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