CULTURE SHOCK

Watch the video titled “Studying Abroad: Culture Shock” by INTOStudy.

WARM UP
Match the country to the correct tradition.

France Italy Finland Brazil Bali

1. New Year is celebrated with a day of silence and meditation.

2. Acrobatic and classical flag-throwing is a sport in this country.

3. This country has an annual wife-carrying competition.

4. “King Cake” day is celebrated. If you find the porcelain figure in the cake - you win!

5. Jump over seven waves on New Year’s Day.

15 Amazing Cultural Traditions: Source
Questions:
● What interesting traditions do you have in your country?
● How do you celebrate those traditions?
● How does your country celebrate the New Year?

DISCUSSION: QUOTE
Read and discuss the quote. How does it relate to the topic of today’s class?

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

ESL Pals 1 General English

 VIDEO LISTENING AND COMPREHENSION
Task: 1: Write definitions for the following key words from the video.

Culture Shock:

Homesick:

Task 2: Now, circle the negative experiences related to culture shock according to the
students in the video. Only circle the points that you hear in the video.

Miss things you are used to having around you Can’t adjust to weather

People use different phrases Very busy way of life People are very rude

You are the only exchange student You miss the food from home

Difficult to get around the new city You don’t understand the currency

Everything is expensive You feel overwhelmed You miss shops from home

Task 3: Discuss the following questions as a class:

a) What did Stephanie like about moving to the UK?

b) Where is Christy from, and where is she doing an exchange?
c) What advice did the welfare advisors give to Arya?
d) Did Val improve his English skills?
e) Would you like to move to the UK? Describe what you think it would be like?

ESL Pals 2 General English

 ARTICLE: REASONS TO STUDY ABROAD.
Task 1: Read the article and complete the tasks.

Gain Independence
Although any university experience offers Learn a New Language
the opportunity to grow personally and Studying at an international university
professionally, oftentimes students miss typically offers opportunities for
out on recognising their full potential by international students to learn their new
choosing the closest university to home. host country’s native language. Whether
However, with the additional challenge of it’s Japanese, German, Italian, or Swedish,
navigating a foreign country, as an why not follow up on your New Year’s
international student, you will pick up resolution and learn a new language?
crucial ‘’adulting’’ skills. When you move Depending on the length of your stay, you
back home, you will be grateful to have may or may not reach native fluency.
learned how to pay bills, communicate However, one thing that’s for sure is that
with people from all walks of life, and your hosts will appreciate your effort. A
take care of your living arrangements. little effort goes a long way towards
immersion.
Immerse Yourself in a New Culture
In an increasingly globalised world, Find Hidden Gems
cross-cultural communication is becoming Of course, the guidebooks will point you
a vital skill, and individuals who possess to all the "must-sees" in every city. But
it are in high demand. But, because it behind those, there are plenty of
cannot be taught efficiently through a text worthwhile things to experience which
book, it requires real-life experience to are typically reserved for the locals. So, as
gain fluency in this communication style. you learn to navigate your new city like a
Therefore, it is more important than ever local, you’ll begin to discover all the best
to have the opportunity to explore other parks, restaurants, bars, cafes, and
cultures in-depth. Studying abroad is shopping spots that make for
guaranteed to immerse you in a new unforgettable experiences.
culture’s politics, culture, and language, Link: Article

making it easier for you to understand

different world views, while also giving
you the skills to express your own.

ESL Pals 3 General English

Task 2: Decide if the following statements based on the article are true or false.

1. Moving abroad can teach you important life skills, such as paying bills.

2. Studying abroad allows you to immerse yourself in a new culture.

3. Universities often offer opportunities for students to learn the native language.

4. Studying abroad guarantees reaching native fluency in a new language.

5. Studying abroad helps you to understand different worldviews.

6. Living in a foreign country can help you discover hidden gems and experiences that
are often overlooked by guidebooks.

Task 3: Study four more reasons in the box. Discuss the pros and cons of each point.

Enjoy coming home Expand your network

Discover yourself Stand out to employers

Task 4: Discuss the following questions as a class:

a. How can studying abroad as an international student contribute to personal and

professional growth?

b. What are the benefits of learning "adulting" skills, such as paying bills and
managing living arrangements, while studying in a foreign country?

c. What are the advantages of learning a new language while studying at an

international university?

d. In what ways can studying abroad contribute to a deeper understanding of a foreign

country's politics and culture?

e. How can you discover hidden gems and local experiences in a new city while
studying abroad?

f. Which of these reasons is the biggest motivator for you to study / work abroad?

ESL Pals 4 General English

 MODAL VERBS OF PROBABILITY
Study the theory and complete the exercise.

We use Modal Verbs of Probability when we want to make a guess about something. You
need to use different Modal Verbs depending on how sure you are about your guess.

Look at the scale below to see when to use which Modal Verb of Probability.

Example: John: “I don’t feel well today.”

Sandra: “Oh no, it could be the flu. I know some people in class have been sick.”

Ready to try it yourself? Match the situations to the correct possibilities.

ESL Pals 5 General English

Now, answer the questions using the Modal Verbs of Probability.

1. Why do you think people struggle to make friends abroad?

2. Why do you think people get lost in new cities?

3. Why do you think people are nervous to move to a new country?

4. Why do you think people become homesick when on an exchange?

5. Why do you think people decide to study abroad?

6. Why do you think some people don’t achieve fluency in the native language spoken
when living in a new country?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discuss the questions as a class.

1. What is your definition of culture shock?

2. Have you ever experienced culture shock?

3. What in your culture is considered rude?

4. If you could work in another country, which country would you choose? Explain.

5. Have you ever felt isolated or misunderstood due to cultural differences?

6. Have you ever faced a language barrier in a different country? How did you feel?

7. How do you think culture shock can contribute to personal growth?

8. What advice would you give to someone who is currently going through culture
shock and struggling to adjust to a new culture?

ESL Pals 6 General English

 CASE STUDY
Read the profiles and decide which exchange program is the best for each student. Use
the Modal Verbs of Probability in your answers.

Students:

Elizabeth Jonathan Christine

Elizabeth, 23, is a Visual Jonathan, 22, is a Physics Christine, 24, is completing

Arts student from New student from Spain. He her post graduate in Sports
York. Her native language is speaks Spanish, but he has Science. She is from the
English. She wants to travel a beginner level in English. South of France. She is
to a country with a rich He wants to improve his passionate about sports -
culture. She has never been language skills and study especially Netball. She
away from home for more abroad to improve his CV. really wants to find an
than 3 weeks - so she is He wants to learn how to exchange where she can
very nervous. She hopes be fully independent, learn English - because her
that she can easily return therefore he wants to travel native language is French.
home if she feels too far away from his country. She likes meeting new
homesick. The other He is also a very good people and would like to
consideration is her budget. Rugby player and wants to stay in a shared house
She only has enough money continue this sport abroad. abroad. She has a budget of
saved up to spend $1000 He has $2200 to spend per $890 per month, so she is
per month. month. looking for a scholarship.

Programs:

Sports Exchange: Cultural Exchange: Cape Science Exchange: London,

Christchurch, New Zealand Town, South Africa. UK.

Program: Rugby / Netball Program: Opportunity to be Program: Enrollment in a

scholarship. enrolled in a Cultural two year Science program
Tuition Fee: Free - students Studies program in South where students can study
need to play professionally Africa. Physics or Chemistry at any
for the university. They can Tuition Fee: $300 per of the universities situated
continue with an academic month. in London.
program of their choice. Accommodation: Need to Tuition Fee: $600 per
Accommodation: Option to live in the accommodation month.
stay in the university provided by the university. Accommodation: None
residence ($300 per month) The cost is $250 per month. provided. Students need to
or to get private This excludes food. find private accommodation
accommodation. and organise their own
transport to and from
campus.

ESL Pals 7 General English

HOMEWORK
WRITING TASK
Write answers to the questions below.

1. What is the most popular public holiday in your country? How do people celebrate?

2. Describe the food and drink that people should try when visiting your country.

3. What advice would you give to travellers to get around your city?

Study the reasons why studying abroad is beneficial. Expand on the points by writing a
short paragraph. Give examples if possible.

1. Broaden Your Knowledge

2. Travel the World

ESL Pals 8 General English

 GRAMMAR PRACTICE
Use the modal verbs of probability from the lesson to talk about the difficulties of
working / studying abroad. Use the box in exercise 3 as a guide.

Example: When you study abroad, it may be difficult to overcome the language barrier.

ESL Pals 9 General English