be compared to homesickness. When you visit a new place, you are forced to meet your everyday needs, like food and language, in a totally new and different way.

Getting over culture shock depends upon you. Ultimately, it is you who must take positive steps to feel better. Here are a few suggestions:

Do not expect to do things perfect the first time

You may feel annoyed that you are experiencing a culture shock after having prepared so long and so hard for your trip. No matter how much information you read and how well you speak English, it is natural to feel beset at times. Jet lag and the adjustment to a new time zone may also be a factor. Just give yourself some time and things would gradually get easier.

An open mind helps

Try not to form an opinion about the new culture too soon. You might be quick to judge the food, manners and communication styles and as a result would want to do things the way you are used to. Your cultural stereotypes are often inaccurate. Do not think of the US culture as better or worse, just different - you will be more willing to try new things. Try to objectively analyze the differences you are finding between your home and host cultures. Look for the reasons your host culture does things differently. Remember that host customs are logical to your hosts, just as your home customs are logical to you.

Remember that culture shock is a normal part of adjustment, that you will have some of the symptoms and that some of your reaction will be emotional and not rational. Experiencing culture shock can be positive because you will learn a lot as you work your way through it.

Participate

Just watching life go by you is not going to help you much. You will have to try out a few things for yourself. Don't worry about making a mistake; people from your native country will generally be very understanding and willing to help if you have questions. If you are unsure of what to do in a formal setting, follow others' lead. Active participation in conversation is important and is appreciated by most.

Talk about it

Do not forget about the organizations and people that are there to help you. DiscoverAbroad will soon be launching a program to help you out of cultural shock.

Be in contact

Write emails, letters or call your family regularly. Talking to familiar people always makes you feel better and they encourage you when you are feeling homesick. A good idea is to make plans to call every week on the same day and time: for example, every Sunday at 7pm. That way, you will never be disappointed that nobody is home to answer your call, and you will have something to look forward to each week. Ask your family to send photos in their letters to you, and to send you clippings from newspapers or magazines.

Be Humorous

Never forget that humor is one of the best remedies for almost any difficult situation.

Finally, develop the attitude that you can live with the differences and confusions and still learn and enjoy yourself.