Culture Shock: A perspective of an international student arriving to study in the UK

What is ‘Culture Shock’?

Embarking on an academic journey abroad is a dream for many international students. Speaking as a Nigerian student who made the same journey to study in the United Kingdom, the excitement of a new adventure often comes with a significant adjustment period. This phenomenon, known as ‘Culture Shock’, refers to the emotional and psychological disorientation experienced when adapting to a new cultural environment. This blog post delves into the challenges of culture shock from the perspective of an international student coming to study at the University of Northampton.

Understanding ‘Culture Shock’

Culture Shock is a natural response to being in an unfamiliar cultural environment and experiencing new ways of life or sets of attitudes. It typically unfolds in four phases: the ‘Honeymoon’ phase, followed by frustration, adjustment and finally acceptance. For a Nigerian student like me, the journey through these stages can be influenced by the stark contrasts between cultures. Let us explore the cause and effects of these culture variations.

Language and Communication Challenges

Although English is the official language in Nigeria and the UK, the nuances in accents, slang, and colloquialisms can create communication barriers. For instance:

• British accents: The Northampton accent, though not as strong as others in the UK, may initially sound unfamiliar. Words are pronounced differently, and the speed of speech can be overwhelming.
• Slang and idioms: phrases like “fancy a cuppa?” (Would you like some tea?) or “cheers” (thank you) might confuse a Nigerian student accustomed to a different linguistic style.
• Politeness culture: for example, British people can often use indirect language to get their point across. For example, a statement like “I’m not sure that’s quite right” may mean “That’s wrong.” Understanding these subtleties takes time.

Social Norms and Interactions

The UK’s social norms can be markedly different. Key differences include:

• Individualism vs. Collectivism: British culture is highly individualistic, emphasising personal independence and privacy. In contrast, Nigerian culture values communal living and close-knit relationships.
• Greeting etiquette: In Nigeria, greetings are warm, elaborate, and often accompanied by bright smiles and physical contact. In the UK, a simple “hello” or a nod suffices. Over-enthusiastic greetings might be perceived as intrusive.
• Queuing culture: The British are famously disciplined when it comes to queuing (standing in line). Whether it’s waiting for a bus, at a grocery store, or at a coffee shop, queuing is a deeply ingrained cultural norm. Jumping the queue or failing to wait your turn is considered highly disrespectful.
• Religion and worship: While the UK is secular with Northampton having churches, mosques, and other places of worship that cater to different faiths. You might find that religious practices are less publicly visible than in Nigeria.

Academic Expectations and Learning Styles

The academic system in the UK differs significantly from other regions, and adapting to these differences can be challenging. Some key contrasts include:

• Teaching methods: British education emphasises critical thinking, independent research, and self-directed learning. In Nigeria, teaching often involves a more structured, lecture-based approach.
• Assessment styles: UK universities can often prioritise coursework, essays, and group projects, while some international universities rely heavily on final exams.
• Student-Teacher relationships: While international students can often view lecturers as authority figures, British lecturers encourage open dialogue and treat students as equals. This shift may require a mindset adjustment.

Weather and Environmental Differences

One of the most immediate shocks for international students is the UK’s weather. Northampton is usually characterised by cold winters, mild summers, and frequent rain. Key challenges include:

• Cold weather: For a Nigerian student accustomed to tropical heat as high as 30°C and above, Northampton’s winter temperatures can be chilly. Layered clothing, heating systems, and winter accessories are a must in the winter months.
• Short days in Winter: The reduced daylight hours during winter can be disorienting.

Food and Dietary Adjustments

Food is a cornerstone of all cultures, and adjusting to a new cuisine can be challenging:

• Different food culture: British cuisine, with its emphasis on sandwiches, pies, and fish and chips, can feel less spicy compared to Nigeria’s very intensely spicy dishes. Additionally, meal times and portion sizes might differ.

Cultural and Racial Dynamics

For an international student, navigating cultural attitudes and racial dynamics in UK and Northampton is crucial.

• Representation and belonging: Speaking as a Nigerian student who moved to the UK, seeing few people of African descent in certain spaces might lead to feelings of alienation. However, Northampton’s diversity means there are communities of Nigerians and Africans to connect with.

So, as an international student studying in the UK, what can you do to combat culture shock? We have put together some coping strategies for international students adjusting to life in the UK in our next blog.

Read part 2 of Nora's blog

Find out more about studying at UON

Nora Fadeyi

Nora, an MBA graduate at UON, works on our International Enquiries team in the Department for Global Engagement.