Before coming to the U.K., my study abroad advisor made sure that we were aware of any potential challenges that may arise. One of the main challenges many students face when traveling somewhere new is "culture shock." Culture shock is a term which helps to explain the feeling of experiencing a new country, new surroundings and new ways of doing things which might be different to what you're used to. Culture shock can come in many forms. My "culture shock" experience came from missing home. During my first few weeks, I struggled with the time difference, which didn't allow for great communication with my family back home. As there is a five-hour time difference, I usually can't speak with my family until around 9:00 or 10:00 p.m., and by this time I'm getting ready for bed.
De Montfort University and the housing department have a unique system that limits the effects of culture shock. All international students are housed together close to campus. The purpose of this is to form a community support group among peers. As we are all going through the same process, we can rely on each other during difficult times. My community group consists of students from Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal and France.
