Page 34 - EdUHK-Outbound Exchange Student Handbook 2016-17

Adjusting to your new environment Culture shock and homesickness
During your exchange, you may find yourself missing the support of family and friends at home, or feeling anxious about handling situations in a different place. Such culture shock or homesickness is all part of adapting to a new environment. To help you handle such feelings:
• Arrange your arrival ahead in time to avoid last-minute panics
• Take familiar items, such as music, to help you settle in
• Join different types of student activities to make new friends
• Anticipate and prepare for potentially challenging situations in advance to work out
ways to handle them
• Build up a circle of friends and teachers for information or advice
You can also visit the student affairs office or international office at your host institution for advice or guidance on academic or personal issues, including interpersonal relationships, stress and time management.
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