Finnish exchange students' culture shock

Abstract

This bachelor’s thesis is written about culture shock experienced by the exchange students from Finland. It is commissioned by an international students exchange organisation located in Finland. The aim of the research was to find out how much the host country affects the culture shock and to identify aspects that affect the adaptation of the students. The goal is to provide the future exchange students with advise on coping with culture shock.

Theoretical framework consists of defining what is culture and culture shock. The theories of culture include Geert Hofstedes cultural dimensions on national culture and the iceberg metaphor.

The questionnaire was done by using webpropol. The local organisation distributed the questionnaire to their exchange students via email during April-May 2015. Students had four weeks to answer the questionnaire.

The aim of the research was reached as the author was able to identify fact that affected the culture shock and the adaptation.