Culture Shock Abroad? How Indian Students Deal With It in 2025

Introduction

Everyone dreams of studying abroad, but the moment we land in a new country, everything feels strange — new faces, new food, new culture. This is the real feeling of culture shock abroad. This is the real meaning of culture shock abroad.

Many students think that studying will be the hardest part, but adjusting to a new culture, language, and lifestyle is often the real challenge. Sometimes the excitement increases, sometimes homesickness becomes so deep that one just feels like coming back home.

But, this journey is a learning curve for every Indian student – in which there is a little trouble, a little fun, and a lot of growth. If you too are going through this feeling, then don’t worry – you are not alone, and after some time everything will be better.

Today in this article, we will talk about how Indian students should understand and handle the culture shock abroad, so that you can fully enjoy your dream studies.

What Is Culture Shock Abroad?

Imagine, you are leaving India and going to a new country – everything is new, everything is different. You don’t understand what people say, nothing suits your heart, and you start remembering small things from home. This is what happens when you experience culture shock abroad — a confusing and emotional phase that makes you feel disconnected and homesick.

This is an emotional phase when you are out of your comfort zone and have to adjust to a new culture. Sometimes you feel so lonely that you think that maybe all this is not in my control. But the truth is that all these feelings are normal, and every Indian student who has to go to a new country, goes through these emotions at some point or the other.

But this phase is temporary, and slowly you fit into your new environment, with your strength and confidence. In this article I will tell you how to understand that you are in culture shock Abroad, and how to deal with it confidently.

Source: StudyAbroad.com – Understanding Culture Shock

Common Triggers of Culture Shock for Indian Students

Let’s look at what usually triggers culture shock abroad for Indian students.

When you first land in a European country (or somewhere abroad), everything feels a little overwhelming. Streets seem quiet, people don’t smile as easily as in India, and even the silence feels too loud. These small things become big triggers of culture shock, and trust me, you’re not alone if you feel this way.

Here are some common things that hit hard

Language Barrier: Even if your course is in English, daily life? Not always. Supermarkets, buses, local conversations — everything seems confusing, especially in non-English speaking countries like Germany or France.
Food Struggles: Dal-chawal vibes suddenly replaced with cheese-loaded sandwiches or undercooked pasta? Your taste buds might cry a little (or a lot). Missing Indian flavors is a legit emotional trigger.
Dress and Behavior Norms: Wearing traditional clothes or even talking loudly might feel awkward abroad, because cultural expectations are different.
Lack of Social Warmth: In India, even strangers sometimes become friends within minutes. Abroad? People keep to themselves. It can feel lonely — especially if you’re an extrovert.
Festivals and Family Moments: While everyone’s celebrating Diwali back home, you’re attending a lecture. That FOMO hits hard. And yes, video calls don’t always heal that homesickness.
Money Pressure: Managing in a different currency, budgeting in Euros, and doing part-time work to sustain yourself — this stress is also part of culture shock.

These experiences might seem small on the outside, but andar se they can shake your confidence. But remember, you’re growing through every moment — and this discomfort is shaping a stronger version of you.

How Indian Students Can Identify Culture Shock Abroad

Sometimes everything seems perfect – new place, good people, European vibes… but still it feels strange from inside? That strange feeling is not just overthinking – that might be culture shock hitting hard, especially for Indian students.

But how to understand that this is culture shock?

These are some emotional and real signs that should not be ignored

Suddenly keeping quiet or keeping to yourself: Earlier you used to laugh at everything, now you just reply with hmm? If you are feeling isolated even while being social, then understand – something is shifting from inside.
You remember the food from home all the time: When even Maggie tastes tasteless or you get confused with your cravings — that emotional disconnect with food is real. Either your appetite would have gone away, or you are eating just for comfort.
Small things are making you homesick: Like a forwarded message from mummy on WhatsApp or an old Bollywood song — and tears in your eyes. This is not a weakness, it is a heart missing home.
Taking stress over every small thing: You are scared to ask about the bus route, or you are rehearsing it 10 times before the presentation — this is culture shock anxiety creeping in slowly.
Sleeping too much or not sleeping at all: If you don’t want to get out of bed or you can’t sleep at all — that’s a sign. Mentally you are overprocessing the new environment.
Irritation at everything: Public transport is slow, people don’t smile, no one says sorry— suddenly everything starts annoying. That’s not just PMS, baby. That’s your brain adjusting to a new system.
Losing connection with yourself: Even after everything is fine, if you feel confused, lost or blank — then you are emotionally drained. This is the most silent sign of culture shock.

Reminder

Culture shock is not a weakness, it is a part of your growth. It’s like your soul stretching itself to fit in a new space. Time will take… but you will feel like yourself again — just a stronger, wiser version.

Practical Tips to Handle Culture Shock Abroad

Dealing with culture shock can seem tough, but being a little mindful makes it a lot smoother. Try these real and practical tips

Keep your routine simple: New environment, new people — so find comfort in the routine. A fixed morning routine will make you feel in control.
Find your community: Join WhatsApp groups of Indian students or Facebook forums. Sharing your culture with someone else is healing.
Bring a little desi touch into each day: Make your favorite food or put on Bollywood songs. The feeling of home instantly boosts mood.
Start writing down feelings: Keep a journal — write down happiness, homesickness, even confusion. It clears your mind and heart.
Stay in touch with home: Regular video calls help maintain emotional balance — but don’t become overdependent.

Also read: Why Indian Students Are Choosing Europe for Higher Education in 2025

Real Stories: How Other Indian Students Handled It

I thought everything would be fine, but when talking to local students felt awkward, I realized I had to give them time. I stopped pressuring myself. – Ankita, Berlin

Whenever I felt homesick, I would make a small plate – dal, rice and pickle. That plate gave me emotional strength. – Raghav, Milan

I set a target of making a new local friend every week. It was a little scary initially, but it turned out to be the best way to understand the culture. – Ritu, Prague

Final Thoughts: Culture Shock Tips for Indian Students

Let’s face it — as soon as a flight lands in a new country, a new world begins. Everything seems exciting at first, but then culture shock knocks quietly. And trust me, it’s okay. Feeling weird, awkward, or even a little lost — it’s all part of the process.

These culture shock tips for Indian students are not just theory, they’re mini lifelines that guide you when the world suddenly feels too different. Every confusion is a lesson. Every new experience is a story.

Culture shock has come… but growth is also prepared for it in advance.

Conclusion: From Confusion to Confidence

Culture shock isn’t a sign that something’s wrong — it’s actually proof that change is happening. Stepping out of your comfort zone into a whole new country? That’s not small — that’s brave.

These culture shock tips for Indian students are not just advice; they’re reminders that you’re doing something incredible. Learning how to navigate life abroad isn’t easy, but every stumble makes you more aware, more independent, and more you So the next time you remember any desi food or don’t understand the accent — just say one thing to yourself: I’ve come this far. I’m proud. I’ll keep going. You’re not just surviving in a new culture — you’re creating your best version in it.