CULTURE-SHOCK COMEDY-DRAMA (University of Leeds version)

By the Leeds Universities Chaplaincy team (In the performance area throughout the play are a table and two chairs) Narrator: Thank you for coming to see our Culture Shock Comedy Drama. I guess there may be several reasons why you decided to come. Maybe you liked the word Comedy in the title? Well, we definitely hope to make you laugh today. Maybe you liked the word Drama? Well, I have to warn you, it wont be Shakespeare, but we will definitely be doing some acting for you. Maybe you want to find out more about culture shock, but you dont want to have to read through yet another leaflet? (Dont we give you a lot of things to read when you first get here?!) Well, youll be pleased to know that weve read the leaflet this very useful one from an organisation called UKCISA and now were going to demonstrate what it says. So please relax and enjoy the Culture Shock Comedy Drama! What is culture? Culture has been defined as All of a persons normal behaviour within their own society. It includes our language, our traditions, the way we dress, what food we eat and the kind of things that make us laugh. Most of the time we dont even think about it because its all weve ever known. However when we move to another country and experience another culture, we experience what is commonly known as Culture Shock. Everything seems unfamiliar and it takes time to adjust. Someone was once asked to describe what this culture shock felt like and they said, Its like arriving in Amsterdam with a map of Singapore. Our drama begins with an international student, Seija, saying goodbye to her parents in Finland.. Scene 1: HOME COUNTRY (Seija, an international student, is packing last things into the backpack. Mother and Father are standing nearby. Father helps the almost too heavy bag onto the Seijas back. There follows an emotional farewell.) Seija: Always too many things to take I hope Customs will let me go through. Father: Mother: Seija: Mother: Seija: Father: Seija: What are you carrying? The wardrobe and the kitchen sink? I will miss you. I will miss you too! Hei, hei- bye, bye (hugging Seija) Mama, hei, hei Hei, hei- bye, bye (hugging Seija) Papa, hei, hei. 1

Narrator: So our International Student leaves home and arrives at University of Leeds, where she begins to settle into her new accommodation. Scene 2: ARRIVING AT LEEDS (Seija is unpacking her things-books, clothes, photos etc onto a desk. She is whistling or humming. WELCOME TO LEEDS Is written on the front of the desk. She goes out and meets Paul, a British volunteer from the International Students Club.) Seija: Seija: Paul: Seija: Paul: (To herself) I need to do some shopping now. Hi Hi, my names Paul. Whats your name? My name is Seija. I come from Finland. Finland!? Ive got something from Finland in my pocket (takes out mobile and plays the Nokia ring-tone Nokia! It gets really cold in the winter in Finland doesnt it? And arent there over 50,000 lakes in your country.? Yes, you seem to know a lot about my home country. Have you visited Finland? Only on the internet. Is this your first visit to England? Yes, and I am so excited about everything. England is so green and the houses are so cute. In front of the houses there are small lovely gardens with beautiful flowers. The weather is much milder than in Scandinavia and the sun seems to shine more. The food is also very different and I love the hot puddings in the Refectory. I feel its so wonderful to experience all these new things. By the way to start my new life in Leeds I would need to do some shopping. Do you know where the nearest Supermarket is, please? The nearest Supermarket is Morrisons, its about 10 minutes walk from campus, on the road that goes to the city centre. Do you know about the International Students Club which meets every Wednesday evening in the Chaplaincy Centre at 6 pm? All the international students are very welcome. What happens there? From 6 to 7 we have free coffee, tea and cakes. From 7 to 8 we have different programmes every Wednesday like Barn Dancing, music evenings, International foods, learning about other cultures, games and quizzes and so on. At the Club you can meet nice British people and practise your English and you can also make new friends with other International students.

Seija: Paul: Seija:

Paul:

Seija: Paul:

Seija: Sounds interesting. I will come next Wednesday. See you then. Bye. Paul: See you. 2

Narrator: (Puts up a poster of the W curve and shows the Holiday stage) So we have seen that the first stage is the Holiday stage, When you first arrive in a new culture its a bit like going on holiday differences are fascinating and you feel excited, stimulated and curious. At this stage you are still protected by the close memory of your own home culture. Now, lets see what happens in the next stage. Scene 3: THE NEW LIFE IN LEEDS HAS STARTED (Seija is reading and studying at her desk. Then she goes out and meets Paul again.) Seija: Seija: Paul: Seija: (To herself) I need to go to the Uni to check my e-mails. Hi Paul. Nice to see you. We have had some great Club evenings. That Barn Dance was good fun (swinging the legs) Hi Seija, Im glad you are enjoying it. How are things going now that you have been in the UK for a month or so? Yes Paul, there are actually some things I would like to ask you. You are a good British person, would you please tell me what I did wrong? This is how it happened: I was on a train going to London.

(Seija and Paul.take a chair each and sit opposite each other acting as if they are on a train. Paul gets into role as a passenger behind his newspaper. Seija is opposite to him. Seija tries to start a conversation. Paul is not keen.) Seija: Paul: Seija: Paul: Seija: Paul: Hello, Are you going to London? Yes. (lowers the paper and then lifts it up again) I come from Finland, Im studying in Leeds. Mmmmm I have never been to London, Im very excited. It is a big city. Yes. Hmmmm.

(Seija and Paul come back to their normal roles) Seija: Paul: Well? What happened is that in British culture its unusual to talk to strangers on public transport. It doesnt mean people are being unfriendly its just that they can be quite reserved at first until theyve been introduced to you. But there is one subject you can always talk about with strangers. British people love talking about the weather. You can say something about the weather to start a conversation with someone you dont know and make them feel comfortable about talking to you. With some younger people maybe you could also talk about music or sports. So lets see what should have happened:

Seija:

(This time Seija has a newspaper too) 3

Seija:

Terrible weather isnt it?

Paul: Yes dreadfulsometimes its sunny and then suddenly rainy It used to be so different when I was a boy we used to have plenty of snow in the winter, sun in the summer and rain in between! Its all gone wrong. Seija: Paul: Seija: Paul: Seija Paul: Seija: Paul: Seija: Paul: Is this normal weather for this time of year? It is at the moment arent you from around here then? I come from Finland. Its very cold there now. Are you on holiday here? Im studying in Leeds. Oh, my sister lives there. Its a very nice part of the country. Are you going to London? No, are you? Yes and I have never been to London, Im very excited. It is a big city. Youll love it. Theres so much to see: like Buckingham Palace, Madame Tussauds, the London Eye, the Tower of London, The British Museum. I hope youve brought a camera.

(Seija and Paul resume their normal roles) Seija: Paul: Am I like a good British person now? Very good.

Seija: Then something else happened to me as I had just finished shopping in Morrisons and was going home in a bus. It happened like this. (There is a queue of people standing and waiting for the bus. Bus driver, miming driving a bus, stops in front of them. Seija runs, rushes and queue jumps.) Seija: (To herself) Oh, there is my bus coming if I hurry up and run I will be able to catch it. (runs) Seija: Bus driver: People: People: Headingley! (goes behind the bus-driver) These international students! (eye rolling) No manners! (pointing with an umbrella) Outrageous behaviour! (expressing displeasure) Headingley, please.thank you!

(Seija and Paul resume their normal roles) 4

Seija: Paul:

People did not seem friendly with me. What did I do wrong? Well, you see, you went straight to the front of the bus queue instead of waiting in line with everyone else that upsets British people! Also, when you got on the bus you didnt say please for the ticket or thank you! If you make sure you stand in the queue and say please and thank you as often as possible, youll make friends easily! Lets try it again.

Seija:

(This time Seija sees the queue and takes the last position) Seija: People: Seija: Paul: Seija: Oh, there is my bus coming if I hurry up and run I will be able to catch it. (runs) Headingley, please. .. thank you Headingley PLEASE .THANK YOU! That was much better well done. Then there was a time I met someone for the first time

(Paul puts a brown-haired wig on his head to become another person) Seija: Paul: Hi, my name is Seija, Im new to this country. (Kisses the unsuspecting person Paul is playing on both cheeks enthusiastically) (Looking awkward and embarrassed) Err hello!

(Seija and Paul resume their normal roles) Seija: What did I do wrong?

Paul: We British dont normally kiss people when we meet them for the first time. We might kiss our mother or sister or aunt or our girlfriend, but were not often that physical. What we tend to give each other is space. Seija: Oh, I see lets try that again. (Paul puts the brown wig back on again) Seija: Paul: Hi, my name is Seija Im from Finland Hi, Im Paul. Or if youre in a more formal situation (offering hand and leaving a slightly exaggerated amount of space between them to get a laugh) (Shaking it) Pleased to meet you, Seija. - British people really like their space! Then there was another occasion when I met my friend and it happened like this:

Seija:

(Paul puts a black curly wig on his head to become yet another person. Seija and Paul act as two people meeting casually on the street) Seija: Paul: Seija: Hi Hello, good to see you again. Are you free this evening? Would you like to come to our home to have a cup of coffee? No, Im terribly sorry I dont drink coffee in the evenings.

(Seija and Paul resume their normal roles) Seija: They seemed offended why?

Paul: When British people invite you for a cup of coffee it doesnt mean you have to drink coffee Its just a way of saying Id like to spend some time with you. So if someone asks you round for a coffee, you can drink anything you like. Shall we try that again? (Paul puts the black curly wig on again) Seija: Paul: Seija; Paul: Seija: Seija: Hi. Hello, good to see you. Are you free this evening? Would you like to come and have a cup of coffee with us? Yes, certainly. Thats very kind of you. What time shall I come? Is 7 pm ok for you? Yes, thats fine, see you then. Then I met another friend and it went like this:

(Paul puts a cap on his head to become another person) Seija: Paul: Seija: Hello, nice to see you. Hello, nice to see you too. How are you? Not so well, I feel terrible. I have got this bad cough. Last week I went to see the nurses in Leeds Medical Practice. They thought that I had a chest infection and advised me to go and see the Doctor - GP they call them here - and he prescribed me some medication but it hasnt helped very much- might be a virus infection.

(Paul looks very bored and starts text messaging with his mobile)

(Seija and Paul resume their normal roles) Seija: He just gave me a funny look why was that?

Paul: When the British ask How are you? its usually just another way of saying hello they dont want to hear your medical history! But when people like Chaplains and International Student Advisers ask you how you are, they really mean it and want to know how you are getting on with your new life in Leeds. Shall we have another go? (Paul puts the cap back on) Seija: Paul: Seija: Paul Hello, nice to see you. Hello nice to see you too. How are you? Im fine thank you, and how are you? (bad coughing fit!!) Im fine!

(Seija and Paul resume their normal roles) Seija: Paul, Im really finding it so difficult to unlearn and forget my old habits and customs, and re-learn new social and cultural skills. It is hard to remember to say please and thank you all the time, as in Finland we can be polite even when we dont repeat it as often as you do. Im just so tired of it all. Im going to go back to my room. Ill see you later.

Paul: Sorry to hear that. Yes, see you later. Narrator: (Indicates the W curve and explains The Unhappy stage)

So we have just seen that stage 2 is the unhappy stage. differences create an impact and you may feel confused, isolated or inadequate as cultural differences start to disturb you and familiar people are not immediately available to support you. Now, lets see what happens in the next stage. Our story continues a few months later.. Scene 4: LIFE IN LEEDS CONTINUES (Seija is at her desk wrapped to a blanket or a shawl, pouring hot water from a thermos flask, shivering from cold and warming her fingers around the mug. She has a sore throat and puts a scarf around the neck. She is depressed and crying. She sees her family photo on her desk picks it up and kisses it saying: mama, papa. She dries her tears with a handkerchief and phones home in her state of homesickness.)

Seija:

(To herself) It is so cold here in England and damp, I could never imagine it. Got this sore throat too. I feel so depressed, everything is so hard, I dont like it anymore. I feel so homesick- buhuuuuuuuu (kissing the photo) Papa! Mama! (Phoning with her mobile phone) Hello Papa, Mama it is awful here. I would like to come back home already now. What? I should try and stay at least till Christmas? OK then. Hei, Hei Papa, Mama. I will phone you soon maybe next week. Or maybe tomorrow! (To herself) Id better get out from my room and get some fresh air

(Seija goes out, opens an umbrella and meets Paul who also has an open umbrella) Seija: Paul: Seija: Hello Paul, How are you, arent you cold in your T-shirt? Hi Seija, No Im fine it feels quite refreshing. Are you OK? Have you caught a cold? Yes, I feel cold all the time. I hate this damp weather! Houses here are so draughty and damp too. Can you believe some students have left their electric cooker on to heat the house! What do you say to that? That sounds quite dangerous. They should ask their landlord for better heaters. And if that doesnt work, they could talk to the Student Advice Centre. The advisers there are really good at helping with housing problems like that. Sounds a good idea. And another thing, this British food is so boring- dont you think so? Always fish and chips - everything is boiled and roasted - so tasteless. I miss my Mums cooking! Well, its true the British arent famous for their cooking! But you can buy food from all over the world in Leeds, why dont you ask your Mum for some recipes and invite some friends to try Finnish cooking? Maybe. Oh, and this English language. I know that I still make mistakes but Im not stupid as some British people seem to think. English can be difficult at times, but speaking any language fluently takes time youve only been here a few months. And the studying is very hard I cant concentrate. Im used to getting good results at home. But my first English teacher was American so Im used to American spelling and grammar. I have been getting low marks in my essays. I cant write the essays the British way. I simply dont know how to do it.

Paul:

Seija;

Paul:

Seija: Paul: Seija:

Paul: Im sure you can get some help to write essays the British way as you put it. Why dont you go to the Skills Centre? They teach all kinds of study skills. Seija And the tutors. I cant understand what they are saying half the time. They talk so quickly and some have strong accents.

Paul: Oh I used to have a lecturer who spoke like this(Scottish accent) And then there was another who used to say(Brummie accent) Even I find them confusing, but they cant help it its like a disease! Seija: They might just as well be speaking Chinese to me. And the other students: everybody has problems. My Indian flatmate needs to make a new visa application and she doesnt know how to write it. 8

Paul

She should go to see the International Student Advisers Natalie Stevenson and Betty Vaughan. Theyre really helpful and very friendly, Im sure theyll be able to sort it out for her.

Seija And you know Ive heard that some places in Leeds arent very safe. One of my classmates had her computer laptop stolen last week. Paul Oh dear, thats upsetting. Well, Leeds is just like any city in the UK. Everyone has to take some sensible precautions. You know, like always locking your doors and windows when you go out, not walking back home on your own after dark, and keeping your valuable things out of sight. I always carry my laptop in a sports bag instead of a laptop bag and I make sure I dont talk on my mobile in the street. And of course Ive got insurance so if anything does get stolen I can get the money back to replace it. Thats good advice and its good to have a friend like you, but Im feeling so sad and disappointed. I feel angry and unhappy. I think it was a mistake to come to Leeds. I want to stop studying, leave everything and go home.

Seija:

Paul: No, dont do that. I think youve been working too hard - why dont you take a break? What did you enjoy doing in your home country? What were your hobbies? Seija: In Finland I used to go walking near the lakes during the summer and in winter I went to a swimming pool. I had forgotten that.

Paul: Why dont you take a break and do something you used to do, something you really enjoy. Why not find out what sports societies there are in the Students Union? Maybe theres a walking society. Maybe you can go on a trip to the English Lake District! And of course the Yorkshire dales are beautiful and great for people who like walking or rambling as we often call it. I bet theres a ramblers club in Leeds you could join and you could meet some new people there too. Ask in Leeds City library if they can tell you about a local ramblers club. Seija: Thats a good idea. I will take a break: I will go walking rambling again and swimming.

(Paul. goes on his way and Seija takes her swim suit and towel from her backpack and goes whistling and smiling another way or dryswims across the room) Narrator: (Indicates the W curve and explains the Despair stage)

So we have seen that in the despair stage you may reject the differences you meet. You may feel angry and frustrated, or hostile to the new culture. At this stage you may be conscious mainly of how much you dislike the new culture compared to home. Dont worry as this is quite a healthy reaction. You are reconnecting with what you value about yourself and your own culture. Now, lets see what happens in the next stage. A few months later.

Scene 5: ENJOYING LIFE IN LEEDS (Seija is at her desk smiling and talking to a friend on her mobile phone. She feels relaxed and confident.) Seija: Hi, Rachel. How are youThank you Im very well too. Are you free this evening, it would be nice to go to the movies. Do you know what they are showing?.Terminator 4? Wow, sounds too exciting Shall I see you in front of Costa Coffee, say 6 pm, and then we could have a drink and decide what we want to go to see. Youre bringing a friend?Yes of course. See you both at 6 a clock then,. Bye.

(Seija gathers her books and set off to the library) Paul: Hello Seija. How are you now?

Seija: Hello Paul, nice to see you. Not so bad. Im just on my way to the library. And how are you? Paul: Yeah, fine thanks so have you been swimming lately, or rambling? Seija: I went swimming, but not rambling, but guess what? Ive learnt how to juggle! Id never tried it before but I found out there was a juggling and circus skills society in the Students Union and the people there are really friendly. And Ive been sightseeing too. I went to York and saw the old town and the big cathedral. Have you seen it? Life is good again. Ive made some new friends and even spent a weekend with a really nice English family through that HOST programme we heard about when we first arrived.

Paul: And how are your studies these days? Seija: I got some help from the Skills Centre and the Language Centre to learn to write the essays in the British way, so my results have been much better lately. Im very pleased about it. And my Indian friend went to the International Student Office and Natalie helped her with her visa application so she has got some help too. Thats good to hear Im glad she found help. Are you still feeling the cold? Its not so bad. I think I have got used to this weather now. I quite like the rain now it makes everything so green here and anyway itll be spring soon. I cant wait to see all the daffodils and other flowers blooming.

Paul: Seija:

Paul: Oh to be in England now that Aprils there thats a famous poem here which celebrates the beauty of the English countryside in spring. And how about the boring English food? Seija; Actually I quite like the variety here theres Chinese, Indian, Italian and Greek food available - you dont need to bother with the English food at all! And what about you Paul? How is your family? Theyre all fine the children were asking when they could see you again. 10

Paul:

Seija: . Paul: Seija: Paul:

I could come and babysit your lovely girls again on Friday if you like. That would be great. Paul, I would like to learn how to make good English cakes called scones. I could show you next Wednesday in the International Students Club. Hey, I really liked that coffee you made the other week could you show me how to make proper coffee the Finnish way? Id love to. See you.

Seija

Narrator: (Indicates the W curve and explains the Confident stage) So we have seen that in the confident stage, you can now accept differences and similarities . You may feel relaxed and more confident as you become more familiar with situations and feel well able to cope with new situations based on your growing experience. Now, lets see what happens in the next stage. Well, time flies when youre having fun they say and all too quickly Seija finishes her course and its time for her to leave Leeds. Scene 6: FAREWELL TO LEEDS (Seija is singing in Finnish and in English while packing her things into the backpack. She goes out to meet Paul again to say farewell.) Seija: Paul: Seija: (To herself) I need to buy some souvenirs for my family and friends. Hi Seija. (jogging) Hi Paul

Paul: How quickly the times gone Are you really leaving so soon? Seija: Yes, and in the end I have really enjoyed my time here in Leeds. Its been one of the best times in my life. Thank you for helping to make it such a good experience. Its been a pleasure. It is really a beautiful country and British people are very nice I will always remember you. In the beginning it was so hard with the language and culture and I became so negative about everything. Thank you for helping me to cope with all the stress, I guess it must have been that Culture Shock they talk about. Yes, its quite normal it happens every year.

Paul: Seija:

Paul:

11

Seija: I have heard from other international students that going home was difficult so to prepare myself I went to the International Students Club to see the ReverseCulture Shock-Drama. It has really helped me to think of some of the things that I may feel when I go back to my home country. It could be strange at first because I know I have changed and I guess my family has changed too while Ive been away. And I hope it wont be too difficult to find a new job where I can use my new skills. Paul: Yes, I expect you will take a bit of time to settle back into your home country - just like it took you time to adjust when you first moved to England. Anyway you have always read your Finnish newspapers to keep up with the changes in your country, and you have always talked about missing your delicious Finnish coffee and bread. So Im sure that that will help you to feel at home again quickly. Seija: I have made so many friends here - I will miss you all. Look what I bought as a souvenir from the Club - the new ISC T-shirt, (showing the T-shirt to the audience). It will remind me of friends in Leeds and all over the world. I feel so much richer now that Im able to feel in home in two different cultures. Paul: Seija: Paul: Seija: Narrator: Yes, its a really valuable skill youve learnt. If you ever come to Finland with your family you must phone. Id love to show you around my country. That would be great. Bye, Bye: (hugging in farewell) (Indicates the W curve and explains the Independent stage)

So we have seen that in the independent stage Differences and similarities are valued and important. You may feel full of potential and able to trust yourself in all kinds of situations. Most situations become enjoyable and you are able to make choices according to your preferences and values. . Culture Shock is entirely normal, usually unavoidable and not a sign you have made a mistake or that you wont manage. In fact there are very positive aspects of culture shock. The experience can be a significant learning experience, making you more aware of aspects of your own culture as well as the new culture you have entered. It will give you valuable skills that will serve you in many ways now and in the future and which will be part of the benefit of an international education. During your time in Leeds, many of you will have experiences like the ones weve just seen today. Look after each other as you go through these experiences. And make friends with some British students as well. Cross-cultural friendships usually require more time and effort, but they are well worth it in the end. And dont forget that the Chaplains and the International Student Advisers are always ready to help if youre experiencing culture shock and you want to talk to someone who understands how youre feeling. By the end of your time here, we hope that you, like our student Seija, will be going home with lots of really happy memories of your time in Leeds! 12

Seija:

(To herself) Its always so long to wait here in the airport. (reads a newspaper) I think that they have called my flight to board in.

Scene 7: BACK HOME (Seija arrives home with her backpack. Father and Mother are waiting for her excitedly). Seija: Mother: (Puts her backpack on the floor ) Mama! Papa! Darling youre back!

(Seija takes her graduation scroll out and gives it to Father and Mother. Father opens the red ribbon and shows the scroll to the audience. In big letters it says Graduated from the University of Leeds Father; Well done Seija! THE END

The Culture Shock Comedy Drama was written and edited by Paul Rockley, Katy Manns, Andy Eaves, Laurence Pusey and Seija Frears, with additional ideas from Karen Griffith. It is an illustration of the W-curve: stages of adjustment experienced during orientation and this, with the explanations used by the narrator for different stages, are taken from the UKCISA guidance note for students International Students and culture shock which is available on www.ukcisa.org.uk. The material is used by the reproduction right given to UKCISA members of institutions of further and higher education, Students Unions and voluntary sectors for the use of their Students and staff. 13