Going to study in a new country can be a stressful experience, from learning cultural norms to new foods. Culture shock is common among international students. Culture shock can include meeting new people, language barriers, social behaviors, and a sense of community. Students' comfort with the culture of their new home can determine their learning experience. Being so far away from family and friends can be a real emotional roller coaster. American culture is difficult to understand. International students find Americans confusing. Social norms vary depending on the region of the country a person is in. Everyone reacts differently to new environments. While some are excited, others are upset about having to leave important people behind. Culture shock comes in many different forms and magnitudes, some may have a harder time adjusting than others. Adjustment difficulties do not always appear immediately (TeensHealth). Culture shock is experienced in different ways, some common feelings are: sadness, loneliness, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, feeling excluded, negative feelings towards the new culture, and frustration (TeensHealth). These feelings are temporary and people eventually get used to their surroundings. Although many have been planning this change for a long time, many are still experiencing the impact of culture shock (International Students and Culture Shock). A vast majority of cultural norms are based on language. New languages ​​are always overwhelming. English is a difficult language to learn, especially if it is not practiced often. The English language has rules that can be frustrating to master. Many international students are afraid of not being understood or pronouncing something correctly...... middle of article ......International students and culture shock. (nd). Accessed April 9, 2014, from http://www.washington.edu/counseling/resources/resources-for-students/international-students-and-cultural-shock/Meeting the Needs of International Students. (nd). Retrieved April 9, 2014 from http://www.cgu.edu/pages/948.aspNathan, R. (2005). My first year: what a teacher learned from becoming a student. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. Share your world and open theirs. Host today. (nd). Accessed April 9, 2014 from http://www.ayusa.org/TeensHealth. (nd). Accessed April 9, 2014, from http://teenshealth.org/teen/your_mind/emotions/culture_shock.html Tensions simmer between American and international students | Inside higher education. (nd). Retrieved April 10, 2014 from http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2012/10/16/tensions-simmer-between-american-and-international-students