For most Canadians, especially those born in Canada, Canadian culture is to them as water is to a fish. But for foreign students studying in Canada, living in a foreign culture can likened to being a fish out of water, at least at first.
In your own culture you are in a similar situation to Canadians in Canada -- culture is like the water surrounding a fish. The water sustains the fish, but the fish doesn't really know the water exists because it is always there and is everywhere. The water is like air for humans. Everyone needs it, but they don't usually notice it. Most people don't study and analyze their own culture in detail, don't seriously criticize it, don't examine their own cultural beliefs. They just live. And life is relatively easy.
However, step outside of your own culture and into another (strange and foreign) culture, and suddenly your own culture becomes highly visible. You easily enter comparative mode where everything is related to the culture you are familiar with. You become conscious of two cultures in a way you never could before. A "fish out of water" often will take two attitude routes -- everything in the new culture is better, or everything in your own culture is better. Culture shock can occur and your life becomes too stressful and unpleasant. A month after arriving in a new country, you may want to leave, and many people do. There is no joy for them being out of the culture they are familiar and comfortable with. Other people out of their cultural water thrive on the novelty and the challenge. The newness is stimulating. There is so much to see, so much to do, so much to learn. But it does take effort and the ability to be happy in uncertainty and when not in control. It can also take time.
The global travel writer Pico Iyer has discussed and written about all this for most of his life. He has a wonderful TED Talk called "Where is home" in which he describes the experience of traveling and living in different cultures. You can read many of his essays for free here. You can also watch two wonderful speeches he recently gave.
It’s only when we stop and step out of our lives that we can take stock of our lives and find out how happy we really are. It’s only when we step back from the canvas that we can see the larger picture. - Pico Iyer
There is a famous saying, "When in Rome, do as the Romans." International students at VIU often quickly realize this when the academic performance that was successful in their own culture is not successful in Canada. Learning Western academic standards can become a serious challenge, but necessary. For example, in Canada university students must study very hard. There are many assignments and tests. If a student thinks it will be easy like it is in their own country, they will be shocked. If you know this before you come, you can prepare yourself mentally.
Strategies can help you successfully navigate the waters of a new culture. One of the best ways to learn how to thrive out of your own cultural water is to talk to other "fish out of water" who are thriving and happy. They will share what they have done, what they think. Becoming engaged in that culture is also important. Join a club. Do some activities outside your own comfort zone, particularly with others who do not speak your same first language. Keep a journal of what you are thinking and feeling. Manage your stress.
By learning how to live in, understand, and hopefully come to like a new culture, you become a bigger person.
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