TABLE OF CONTENT

TABLE OF CONTENT......................................................................................... 1
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
1. Background of the problem........................................................................ 2
2. Formulation of the problem........................................................................ 3
CHAPTER II DISCUSSION
1.
2.
3.
4.

Defenition of Culture............. ................................................................... 4

Defenition of Cultural Adjustment............................................................ 7
Stage of Cultural Adjustment.................................................................... 7
Strategies to help you cope with the adjustment........................................ 8

BAB III PENUTUP

Kesimpulan dan Saran .......................................................................................... 29
REFERENCES........... .......................................................................................... 30

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE PROBLEM
The majority of people studying, working, or living in a new and different
culture.There is yet another unpredictable variable in cultural asdjustment.
Sometimes people come to a second culture speaking the new language very well,
but still do not have an easy adjustment.the new comers think that because they
have a good grasp of the language, they will not have much difficulty.
The process of living in a culture different from our own can be an
exciting and stimulating experience. It is also a tremendous challenge as we
realize that our normal way of perceiving and behaving may not be appropriate
in the new cultural setting.
Each of us has been conditioned by our family, friends, and educational and
religious institutionsour cultureto act, interpret, think, perceive, and feel in
certain ways.
These are based on certain core values of our culture,such as be an individual,
might is right, or time is money.
These values change from culture to culture and, therefore, the behaviors leading
to success or happiness in that culture change also. Understanding those values,
then, is a key to understanding the culture.
The experience of cultural adjustment, takes place in stages that can be
shortened depending upon your preparation, your understanding of the process,
your willingness to take risks, and your acceptance of the necessity to modify
your behavior.
The basis of all positive adjustment is intercultural communication. That is
the process of communicating with sensitivity and paying attention to the
differences in values and behaviors of those with whom you communicate.
Realizing that it is important to listen with all your senses and assume you have
not completely understood or been understood unless you have
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Explored each others meanings in a spirit of mutual respect and acceptance.

In this way, interaction in an atmosphere of supportiveness and trust will foster
meaningful communication and friendship.

1.2. FORMULATION OF THE PROBLEM

1. What the meaning cultural
2. What the meaning of Cultural Adjustment
3. Stages of Cultural Adjustment
4. Strategies to help you cope with the Adjustment

CHAPTER II
DISCUSSION

2.1 DEFENITION OF CULTURE

The meaning of the term culture has been highly contested. The first
highly influential definition came from Edward Tylor (1871, 1), who opens his
seminal anthropology text with the stipulation that culture is, that complex whole
which includes knowledge, belief, art, law, morals, custom, and any other
capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society.
The meaning in general that Culture is the characteristics and knowledge
of a particular group of people, defined by everything from language, religion,
cuisine, social habits, music and arts.

2.2 DEFENITION OF CULTURE ADJUSTMENT

Culture adjustment is a guide for people to know and to adjust themselves
if he or she life in onother country and Living in a culture that is different from
their own so that there is no conflict.
Adjustment to life in another country is a complicated process.In this
material suggest that can be a shock.
People

out from they country is the expression has been used to describe

someone who living in a new culture. In thinking about how someone will adjust
to a new culture, the following questions shoud be considered:
Motivation (Relationships with other)
Length of stay (Financial situations)
Language and culture (Job and Age)
Personality

Additionally, adjustment would be easier for someone whose culture and

language are similar to those of the new country.
Unpredictable Cultural Adjustment is Some newcomers to a society do well in
their first year of cultural adjustment. However, they may have a more difficult
time later. Perhaps they expected the second year to be easy and successfully as
the first year.
Living in a culture that is different from your own can be both an exciting
adventure and a challenging process. Regardless of what country you are from, it
is common for all international students to go through a period of cultural
adjustment. Understanding this adjustment process and getting support through
this transition will help you to have a more fulfilling experience, both
academically and personally.The other side people can be experience hating the
new country.
The basis of all positive adjustment is intercultural communication. That is
the

process of communicating with sensitivity and paying attention to the

differences in values and behaviors of those with whom you communicate,

realizing that it is important to listen with all your senses and assume you have
not completely understood or been understood unless you have explored each
others meanings in a spirit of mutual respect and acceptance. In this way,
interaction in an atmosphere of supportiveness and trust will foster meaningful
communication and friendship.

2.3 Stages of Cultural Adjustment

Gregory Trivonovitch, a Researcher and Associate Director of the Culture

Learning Institute at the East-West Center in Hawaii has identified four stages of
cultural adjustment which are normal and to be expected of human beings
adjusting to a new and different culture. As Trivonovitch notes, "these four stages

are cyclic in nature, not linear, and a person will encounter periods of adjustment
continuously as he or she moves from one situation to another."
2.3.1

The Honeymoon Stage

The honeymoon stage is characterized by exhilaration, anticipation,

and excitement. Often recently arrived international students are fascinated

with everything new. Most of them are embarking on a "dream come true,"
an education at a U.S. university.
A student in the honeymoon stage will demonstrate an eagerness to
please, a spirit of cooperation, and an active interest when others
speak. Students in this stage are delightful to work with and to work for,
BUT in their enthusiasm to please they frequently nod or smile to indicate
understanding when in fact they have not understood. When their
misunderstandings mount up, they are likely to experience the second
stage of cultural adjustment.

2.3.2

The Hostility Stage

The hostility stage is characterized by frustration, anger, anxiety,

judgmentalism, fear, and sometimes depression. Following the initial

anticipation is confusion and frustration with university bureaucracy and
the weariness of speaking and listening to English everyday. It can be very
upsetting that although students have studied textbook English, at times
they feel like they dont understand anybody, or worse still, others dont
seem to understand them.
Sleep patterns may be disrupted. The student may suffer from
indigestion and may be unable to eat. International students probably react
in one of two ways to their frustrations. One way is to reject the new
environment

which

seems

the
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source

of

intense

personal

discomfort. Internally the student may think, "If I feel this bad, its because
of them." The students blame the external environment for their pain. The
other common reaction is for the students to internalize their pain and sit
mute and inattentive in the classroom. (They might be thinking, "If I feel
bad, its because something is wrong with me.") Whether the student
withdraws or displays hostility, his or her pain shows in fits of anger over
seemingly minor frustrations, displays of excessive fear and mistrust of
Americans, frequent absenteeism, lack of interest, lack of concentration,
lack of motivation, and at worst, complete withdrawal. Academic
problems will be magnified during this stage.
This is a painful, difficult stage, but it does not last. As each
situation is "figured out," there is a sense of relief and accomplishment
which leads students to the third stage.

2.3.3

The Integration/Acceptance Stage

The humor stage follows when the international student begins to

feel comfortable and relaxed in the new environment. The student begins
to smile or even laugh at minor mistakes and misunderstandings which
previously would have caused major headaches during the hostility
stage. The student feels more able to get needed information.
This more relaxed state is accomplished by making some friends,
finding recreational outlets, understanding ones studies, passing some
tests, or finishing a research paper. The student is relieved once some
progress has been made in managing the complexity of the U.S. university
where organization of time, professors expectations, subject content,
language, and rules of behavior are all different
2.3.4

The Home Stage

The home stage occurs when the international student not only retains
allegiance to his or her home culture, but also "feels at home" and
functions quite well in the new U.S. culture. The student has successfully
adjusted to the norms and standards of the university and should be
commended for the ability to live successfully in both cultures.

2.4 Strategies to help you cope with the Adjustment

Culture is relative
Culture is relative, which explains why individuals from different cultures may
perceive American norms differently. For some, the American communication
style may seem too direct, while others may find it not direct enough. As an
international student, you will be exposed to many new customs, habits and
ideas. Try to avoid labeling them as "good" or "bad" according to the culture
you are from. Remember that there may be parts of a culture you dislike or
disapprove of, but these are part of a broader social system, and therefore make
more sense inside that system.

Be open-minded and curious

Adjusting to a new culture does not mean that you have to change your own
values, but it is important to respect those of other people. When you find
yourself in an unfamiliar situation, try to think of it as a new adventure. Allow
yourself to be curious about the way things are perceived and done in this new
environment.

Use your observation skills

Since you will encounter unfamiliar rules and norms, observing how others are
acting in situations can help you understand what behavior is expected of you.
Pay attention to both the verbal and nonverbal communication of others in
order to get a more complete picture of what is going on.

Ask questions
Ask for help when you need it. Asking for assistance or an explanation does
not have to be considered a sign of weakness. Understanding others and
making yourself understood in a new language (or context) requires lots of
rephrasing, repeating and clarification. It may be helpful to ask questions like
"as I understand it you are saying... Is that correct?"

It's ok to experience anxiety

Learning to function in a new environment is not easy. It is natural to feel
anxious or frustrated sometimes. The key is to remind yourself that these
feelings are normal and are likely to be situational and temporary.

Give yourself (and others) permission to make mistakes

You will inevitably make mistakes as you explore a new culture. If you can
find the humor in these situations and laugh at them, others will likely respond
to you with friendliness and support. Keep in mind that others will probably
make mistakes, too; when someone makes an inaccurate assumption or a
generalized statement about your culture, it may be due to a lack of
information. If you're comfortable with doing so, this can be an opportunity to
share information with others about yourself and your culture.

Take care of your physical health

Be mindful about keeping a healthy diet and getting enough exercise and rest.
Try to find an activity that you enjoy and make it part of your routine. Being
physically active can help reduce your stress level.

Find a cultural ally

An American friend (or another international student who has been in the U.S.
for several years) can be a great consultant on cultural expectations. When you
have questions or need a second opinion on something, this person can help
clarify confusions and provide support as you adjust to your new environment.

Seek out support from other international students

Many international students find it helpful to discuss their concerns with others
who are going through similar transitions. Talking with others about their
adjustment to the new culture can provide ideas and insights about your own
experience.

Be patient - don't try to understand everything immediately

The process of adjusting to a new culture requires time. It may also require a
different amount of time for different areas of adjustment. Try to encourage
yourself to be patient with this experience and not be overly critical of yourself.
Adapting to a new culture is an ongoing process. It may be challenging at
times, but most students who experience culture shock agree that going through
this transition helped them to learn more about themselves and to develop
greater confidence in their ability to navigate new situations. It can also lead to
a renewed appreciation of one's own culture. There are many people in the
university community who are available to provide you with support. Keep in
mind that you do not have to struggle alone. Here is a list of resources that you
can utilize.

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CHAPTER III
CONCLUSSION

The meaning of the term culture has been highly contested. The first
highly influential definition came from Edward Tylor (1871, 1), who opens his
seminal anthropology text with the stipulation that culture is, that complex whole
which includes knowledge, belief, art, law, morals, custom, and any other
capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society. Culture
adjustment is a guide for people to know and to adjust themselves if he or she life
in onother country and Living in a culture that is different from their own so that
there is no conflict.

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REFERENCES

Tylor, E.B. (1871). Primitive Culture: Researches in the Development of

Mythology, Philosophy, Religion, Language, Art and Custom.
London: John Murray.
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/culture-cogsci/ (08/04/15 18.22
WIB)

http://eap.ucop.edu/Documents/_forms/1011/Crosscultural_Adjustment.pdf (08/04/15 19.33 WIB)

http://www.livescience.com/21478-what-is-culture-definition-ofculture.html (08/04/15 19.44 WIB)

Trivonovitch,G.(). Researcher and Associate Director of the Culture

Learning Institute. East-West Center in Hawaii.
http://cgu.edu/pages/945.asp ( 09/04/15 15.01 WIB)
www.cmhc.utexas.edu/cultureadjustment.html (09/04/15 15.28 WIB)

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