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Dealing with culture shock (Monash Malaysia)
Monash University Malaysia
Last checked: 6 Oct 2026 UTCWhat this page covers
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Moving away from home and adjusting to a new culture can be difficult. Feeling anxious or worried about coping is part of settling in. This is culture shock.
Common signs
- Anxious and lonely
- Sad, missing family and friends
- Avoiding people
- Unable to eat
- Problems sleeping
- Tired, not enough energy
- Disorganised, no routine
- Angry and confused
Stages of culture shock
| Excitement | When you first arrive, you are excited and interested in discovering new things |
| Confusion | Then you start to focus on the differences and feel confused, homesick, frustrated or depressed. You avoid spending time with people |
| Resentment | You then start to resent the different culture and perhaps feel hostile, defensive or vulnerable |
| Coping | Eventually, you feel more relaxed and less dependent on others. You may start to appreciate the new culture |
| Belonging | Finally, you feel a sense of belonging and confidence. You enjoy both your new and home cultures |
How to deal with culture shock?
- Remember that your reactions are normal
- Stay in contact with your family and friends
- Talk to international students for support
- Find students from your culture who have adjusted well
- Make friends with Australian students who can help you learn about their culture
- Join a student or community group
- Join a study group
- Contact your department to find a tutor
- Talk to your advisers and lecturers about problems studying
Need help?
- Monash Society and Clubs
- Make an appointment to see a student counsellor today.
- Help with study skills