Dealing with Culture Shock in Russia

When I was a foreign exchange student, I used spend my lunchtime thinking about how tomorrow I’ll figure out a way to make friends and won’t be lonely anymore. That lasted a couple of months, until I almost started hating school and my life in the new country in general. Then one day a teacher suggested I joined the school newspaper, and all of a sudden I had people to talk to and do things with. I wasn’t sitting by myself at lunch anymore. I was beginning to see how the cultural experience I was having was building the foundation of my entire future life.

There’s a good chance that Russia is somewhat different from your home country and it will take some time for you to adjust. Start by following the general rule that applies to dealing with all new cultural environments:  “don’t judge – watch and listen”. Then watch for stages of culture shock:

Honeymoon: You’re excited to be here and everything seems shiny and new, and the world around you is full of possibilities. It’s the first few weeks when you think you’ll join a sports club, learn to cook borsch and go to the Hermitage on weekends. Make a list of all the things you find exciting or are planning to do – it will come handy later.

Hostility: Once the initial stage is over, there’s a good chance that the reality around you will lose some of its luster. To get to university every morning you have to navigate a crowded metro. There’re potatoes instead of rice at the canteen. Instructors are way too demanding and don’t understand your personal challenges. And no one’s speaking English. It’s enough to crawl under a blanket and never even peek into the bleak and rainy day outside.

Adaptation/biculturalism: Things around you are starting to make sense more often than not and you realize you’re getting good at everyday life. Studies are getting easier as you get into the routine. The fact that everyone frowns more than smiles doesn’t bother you. You’ve bought sturdy boots to deal with the slush and got the public transport down.

Some of the ways to cope with culture shock while you’re here:

- Know that it’s normal, temporary and happens to most students.

- Things that are hard now make for great stories later. Don’t think you can ace your Russian test because you can’t tell characters from words?  Imagine how you’ll tell your friends about it later. Better yet, write about how you deal with it on your social media. It will help you have a more objective view and also get support from your friends. Be careful not to disparage the host country and culture – this won’t help you adjust.

- Find opportunities to say Hi. It’s much easier to just stare at your phone before and after class. What about bringing your favorite dish for everyone to try? Or ask a student next to you to help you with homework?  Volunteer to lead a group project? Russians might seem cold but once you break the ice, you’ve found a friend for life.

- Don’t let your studies go. When it feels like you just can’t do it, take a tiny step, such as read just one page or do an easy assignment. Text your classmate and set up a study session. Small victories will grow into larger accomplishments as you gain your momentum back.

- Remember the list you made in your Honeymoon stage? Go back to it and see if you can cross off a thing or two. After all, you’re only here for a while and might as well take the full advantage of your new culture and language skills.

- Check out university-held events. From competitions to lectures, ITMO events is where you might find like-minded people and learn something new, all of which can contribute to your successful experience. You might find a place to show off our coding skills, ride bikes together, or even get venture funding for your startup.

- You’re here to learn and grow, and this experience of adjusting to another culture will be useful to you throughout your life. If you take time now to discover how to be flexible, make friends with strangers and adjust to a very different lifestyle, it will come in handy when you’re starting a new work project, get offered a job in another country or decide to take on a new level of responsibility. It’s your time to find your strengths, acquire new skills and set the groundwork for a skyrocketing future.

P.S. Don't forget to follow our Facebook page and you're always welcome to stop by ITMO International Office on Lomonosova, 9 – many of the people who work here were once international students too. They know how you feel and will try to find a way to help.