There are both positive and negative effects to studying abroad. A study conducted on student sojourners found fitting in socially, academic success, and language skills are the top three primary concerns (Ryan and Twibell, 2000). Otherwise they are known as stressors. Stress is the body’s normal response to events that appear threatening or overwhelming to your senses. It can manifest itself through various symptoms, which can affect a person’s health negatively. Considering the theory of acculturation, stress that students experience can turn into eustress (i.e. “good” stress). Though the students have found themselves in an unfamiliar environment, the first reaction would be intimidation but the second reaction is the one that counts. Student…
In contrast to stressful situations, a study performed by Carlson and Widaman (1988) revealed that studying abroad could be a positive contributor to a student’s international awareness. It also contributes to the development of positive attitudes towards understanding the affairs of international cultures. When entering a new culture, the most important aspect students must have is optimism because it emphasizes on their self-confidence. Optimism and self-confidence work together to help a student be more open to learning and developing new skills that they can use once they leave school. In other words, studying abroad can aid students in the long run and the experiences they come across stay with them for a long period of time. An interesting aspect of culture shock is that it has a reciprocal effect meaning both the student and the host teacher can learn from each other. At times it will take a longer period of adjustment for a student to provide adequate work to a host teacher however it allows the teacher to communicate to the student in a way which supports them and therefore creating the reciprocal effect. Though stress is a negative symptom that leads to psychological distress, it can never be completely avoided and is encouraged in further accelerating a student’s adaption process. Dealing with stress within culture shock gives the student more of an open-mind towards new experiences as they realize it is can be overcome. Psychological adaption and content can also influence the success student sojourners achieve in their host…
