Navigating the New: Embracing Culture Shock as a Grad Student at Tufts

Stepping off the plane and onto the vibrant campus of Tufts University, I quickly realized the culture shock I had heard so much about was not just a challenge; it was also an adventure waiting to unfold. At first, everything was new and exciting - the buildings, the people, the bustling campus life - but there were moments when I felt like a stranger in a strange land. I didn’t expect to experience a sense of displacement because I was eager to immerse myself in this new chapter. Still, I quickly realized adjusting to new social norms and everyday interactions wasn’t as easy as I’d thought. Culture shock isn’t always about the big things; it’s the small, subtle differences that take you by surprise and shape your understanding of a new culture. 

One of the things that initially felt strange was the sense of community here at Tufts, especially the way people interact with one another. Back home, I’m used to a more reserved social style, but here, I was greeted with smiles from strangers, a simple "How’s it going?" in passing, and friendly small talk that made me feel seen, even when I didn’t know anyone yet. I was surprised how easily people here started conversations in elevators, on the sidewalk, or while waiting in line. The casual yet welcoming nature of these interactions helped me ease into the culture. The Education Department at Tufts plays a huge role in this sense of belonging as well. Every Wednesday, they host a bi-weekly CommuniTEA Time in the Paige Hall Lounge, where students and faculty gather to chat, sip tea, and get to know each other in a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere. It’s also the little things, like holding the door for someone without a second thought or stepping aside to let others pass, that initially felt odd but quickly became a part of my daily routine. These seemingly small gestures that are so ingrained in American culture helped me feel a sense of warmth and connection, even in moments when I didn’t fully understand everything around me. 

Another thing that threw me off was the tipping culture. Back home, tipping isn’t as customary, but here, tipping is expected in so many places - restaurants, taxis, coffee shops. At first, I found it a bit overwhelming trying to figure out how much to tip and when. There’s also the matter of customer service, which is often incredibly friendly and eager to please, sometimes to the point where it feels a little over the top. In my experience, service in the U.S. is almost always cheerful and accommodating, which was such a pleasant surprise, even though it felt like a bit of a performance at first. I’ve come to appreciate how this level of attentiveness adds a personal touch to every interaction. 

And then there’s the pace of life here. In the U.S., everything seems to move at a faster speed! People walk faster, eat faster and even talk faster. It took me a while to adjust to this sense of urgency that’s woven into daily life. In my home country, there’s a slower, more relaxed approach to time, where it’s common to spend hours at a meal, chatting with friends and family. Here, there’s a focus on efficiency and getting things done quickly, and I’ve had to learn to keep up with the fast-paced environment while still allowing myself time to appreciate the smaller moments! 

These culture shocks, both big and small, could have easily overwhelmed me, but instead, I’ve come to see them as fascinating opportunities for personal growth. While it took me time to adjust to the social norms and daily customs here, I’ve found that embracing them has allowed me to build a deeper connection to this new community at Tufts. The warmth of simple interactions, the respectful distance in personal space, and the cultural shifts in how we relate to one another have all become pieces of the puzzle that is my experience here. Through it all, I’ve learned that culture shock isn’t something to fear; it’s a unique opportunity to grow, connect, and discover the beauty in what makes us different and what makes us the same!