Penn Abroad knows about making a new home in a foreign land. You have your maps and guidebooks. You've plotted out your route to and from the airport and you are pretty sure you know what to expect. WRONG. Culture shock is everywhere. Prepare to not know anyone, anything and pretty much curl up on the floor of a terrible dorm room in a puddle of your tears. 'Cause abroad is hard. Luckily, you have this brochure, so you are on your way to conquering the sleeping dragon that is culture shock.
Penn students go all over the world. Like Europe, England, London, sometimes Edinburgh. Culture shock is very real in these places. The food is different, the language is mildly different and the TV shows are much better. We have some helpful hints to help minimize the shock. Thankfully, at most UK universities (or, as they would call them, “Unis”) you will be surrounded by other people who go to Penn. Make friends with these people. That guy who dated your freshman roommate. The dude in that math class, which he then dropped. That girl who was in the same sorority with your friend who you met at Tap House one time. No connection is too weak to solidify your new BFF–status while abroad.
Food can be another significant source of culture shock. They call fries 'chips.' They call chips 'crisps.' There is no refuge from confusion. Pack everything from ketchup to ice for your drinks. (They don’t use ice in Europe. How will your water stay cold? It's madness.)
Classroom norms may also be very different at your new home. Try to impose some America on their education system. Try to get people to stay late to do icebreakers. Raise your hand a lot so people think you're smart. Buy expensive textbooks off the internet. The sky is the limit when it comes to forcing your customs on other countries. Don't worry, the English already know this all too well.
We hope these trips help you. And remember, the deadline to apply is rapidly approaching. Check out our new program in Montreal—space is running out! Pro–tip: this helpful brochure also works for Canada.
