Culture Notes
While it is exciting to live in a cultural environment different from your own, you must recognize that the change will sometimes be stressful for you. Some of you may experience "culture shock," which is a mixture of homesickness, confusion, and/or frustration. Such feelings are natural and will pass; talk about them, but do not be alarmed. Every traveler to a foreign country has had such feelings.
Mark Twain once described the English and Americans as “two peoples separated by a common language.” Do not be surprised if at times the British idiom leaves you confused. Moreover, British colloquialisms may be unfamiliar. Do not be afraid to ask for clarification. Do remember that we will be guests in another country and ambassadors, in a sense, from our own. Also remember that a smile and courteous behavior make a good impression in any situation.
