Encountering a new culture

- welcome to the roller coaster ride

orientation autumn 2012Katja Kurasto, International Relations Coordinator

katja.kurasto@oamk.fi

TERVETULOA OULUN SEUDUN AMMATTIKORKEAKOULUUN JA TEKNIIKAN YKSIKKÖÖN!

Finland?

1. YOUR FIRST NAME

2. YOUR HOME COUNTRY

+ ONE NICE/SPECIAL THING ABOUT YOUR HOME COUNTRY/ CULTURE

3. ONE EXPECTATION FOR YOUR STUDIES AND STAY IN OULU

Normal reactions- Feeling isolated or alone

- Sleeping problems, boredom

- Physical complaints (head, neck, back, stomach)

- Wanting to return home, homesickness

- Depression, feelings of helplessness

- Frustration, lack of motivation

- Difficulties with coursework and concentration

- Loss of sense of humor

- Hostility towards local people and culture

Tips for adjusting to a new culture- Know that what you are experiencing is normal

- Take care of you

- Research your destination, learn about the environment

- Keep a journal

- Communicate with yourself and others, develop friendships

- Create a community around you

- Avoid negativity

- Look forward instead of backward

Tips for adjusting to a new culture- Attend local events, activities and sports

- Interact with local people

- Join groups, plan excursions

- Observe how others are acting in the same situation and ask locals

- Share feelings with others

- Improve language skills

Tips for adjusting to a new culture- Set yourself goals

- Recognize the advantages of having lived in two different cultures

- Accept the challenge

- Acknowledge your progress in adjusting, remember the ways you have reduced stress before

- Keep an open mind

- Remember, this is your experience and opportunity, have fun!

- Adjusting to a new culture takes time

- Culture adaptation process is very different for everyone

- You have the leading role in the experience

THINGS IN ANOTHERCULTURE ARE NEITHERRIGHT OR WRONG, BETTERNOR WORSE; THEY ARE JUST

DIFFERENT.

1. TERVETULOA OULUUN JA OULUN SEUDUN

AMMATTIKORKEAKOULUUN!

2. MIKÄ SINUN NIMESI ON?

3. MINÄ OLEN ULKOMAALAINEN, EN PUHU SUOMEA.

4. OIKEIN PALJON KIITOKSIA!

5. OLEN EKSYNYT. MISSÄ ON TEKNIIKAN YKSIKKÖ?

6. YKSI KAHVI, KIITOS.

7. ALAKKONÄÄ MUA?

On the map?• School of Engineering / Tekniikan yksikkö

• Hospital

• City Library / Pääkirjasto

• Railway station/ Rautatieasema

• Nallikari Beach

• Raksila Markets

Guide Quizz• How many vowels and consonants does the Finnish

language have?

•When extending/ renewing your residence permit, when is the latest moment to do it?

•How many online information links does the guide give you for writing job applications and cv’s?

What color are the mail/ post boxes in Finland?

•What is Oulu 10?

What is said about Finnish honesty in the guide?