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 won’t be Shakespeare, but we will definitely be doing some acting for you. Maybe you want to find out more about culture shock, but you don’t want to have to read through yet another leaflet? (Don’t we give you a lot of things to read when you first get here?!) Well, you’ll be pleased to know that we’ve read the leaflet – this very useful one from an organisation called UKCISA – and now we’re 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 person’s 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 don’t even think about it because it’s all we’ve 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, ‘It’s 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 Seija’s back. There follows an emotional farewell.)

Seija: Always too many things to take I hope Customs will let me go through.

Father: What are you carrying? The wardrobe and the kitchen sink? Mother: I will miss you.

Seija: I will miss you too!

Mother: Hei, hei- bye, bye (hugging Seija)

Seija: Mama, hei, hei

Father: Hei, hei- bye, bye (hugging Seija)

Seija: Papa, hei, hei.

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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: (To herself) I need to do some shopping now.

Seija: Hi

Paul: Hi, my name’s Paul. What‘s your name?

Seija: My name is Seija. I come from Finland.

Paul: Finland!? I’ve 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 doesn’t it? And aren’t there over 50,000 lakes in your country….?

Seija: Yes, you seem to know a lot about my home country. Have you visited Finland?

Paul: Only on the internet. Is this your first visit to England?

Seija: 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 it’s 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?

Paul: The nearest Supermarket is Morrison’s, it’s 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.

Seija: What happens there?

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

Paul: See you.

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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 it’s 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, let’s 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: (To herself) I need to go to the Uni to check my e-mails.

Seija: Hi Paul. Nice to see you. We have had some great Club evenings. That Barn Dance was good fun (swinging the legs)

Paul: Hi Seija, I’m glad you are enjoying it. How are things going now that you have been in the UK for a month or so?

Seija: 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: Hello, Are you going to London?

Paul: Yes. (lowers the paper and then lifts it up again)

Seija: I come from Finland, I’m studying in Leeds.

Paul: Mmmmm

Seija: I have never been to London, I’m very excited. It is a big city.

Paul: Yes. Hmmmm.

(Seija and Paul come back to their normal roles)

Seija: Well?

Paul: What happened is that in British culture it’s unusual to talk to strangers on public transport. It doesn’t mean people are being unfriendly it’s just that they can be quite reserved at first until they’ve 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 don’t know and make them feel comfortable about talking to you. With some younger people maybe you could also talk about music or sports.

Seija: So let’s see what should have happened:

(This time Seija has a newspaper too)

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Seija: Terrible weather isn’t it?

Paul: Yes dreadful…sometimes 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! It’s all gone wrong.

Seija: Is this normal weather for this time of year?

Paul: It is at the moment – aren’t you from around here then?

Seija: I come from Finland. It’s very cold there now.

Paul: Are you on holiday here?

Seija I’m studying in Leeds.

Paul: Oh, my sister lives there. It’s a very nice part of the country.

Seija: Are you going to London?

Paul: No, are you?

Seija: Yes and I have never been to London, I’m very excited. It is a big city.

Paul: You’ll love it. There’s so much to see: like – Buckingham Palace, Madame Tussauds, the London Eye, the Tower of London, The British Museum. I hope you’ve brought a camera.

(Seija and Paul resume their normal roles)

Seija: Am I like a good British person now?

Paul: Very good.

Seija: Then something else happened to me as I had just finished shopping in Morrison’s 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: Headingley! (goes behind the bus-driver)

Bus driver: These international students! (eye rolling)People: No manners! (pointing with an umbrella)

Outrageous behaviour! (expressing displeasure)

People: Headingley, please….thank you!

(Seija and Paul resume their normal roles)

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Seija: People did not seem friendly with me. What did I do wrong?

Paul: 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 didn’t 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, you’ll make friends easily!

Seija: Let’s try it again.

(This time Seija sees the queue and takes the last position)

Seija: Oh, there is my bus coming – if I hurry up and run I will be able to catch it. (runs)

People: Headingley, please. .. thank you

Seija: Headingley PLEASE ….THANK YOU!

Paul: That was much better – well done.

Seija: 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: Hi, my name is Seija, I’m new to this country. (Kisses the unsuspecting person Paul is playing on both cheeks enthusiastically)

Paul: (Looking awkward and embarrassed) Err hello!

(Seija and Paul resume their normal roles)

Seija: What did I do wrong?

Paul: We British don’t normally kiss people when we meet them for the first time. We might kiss our mother or sister or aunt or our girlfriend, but we’re not often that physical. What we tend to give each other is space.

Seija: Oh, I see… let’s try that again.(Paul puts the brown wig back on again)

Seija: Hi, my name is Seija I’m from Finland

Paul: Hi, I’m Paul. Or if you’re 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!

Seija: Then there was another occasion when I met my friend and it happened like this:

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(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: Hi

Paul: 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?

Seija: No, I’m terribly sorry I don’t 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 doesn’t mean you have to drink coffee – It’s just a way of saying ‘I’d 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: Hi.

Paul: Hello, good to see you. Are you free this evening? Would you like to come and have a cup of coffee with us?

Seija; Yes, certainly. That’s very kind of you. What time shall I come?

Paul: Is 7 pm ok for you?

Seija: Yes, that’s fine, see you then.

Seija: Then I met another friend and it went like this:

(Paul puts a cap on his head to become another person)

Seija: Hello, nice to see you.

Paul: Hello, nice to see you too. How are you?

Seija: 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 hasn’t helped very much- might be a virus infection….

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

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(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?’ it’s usually just another way of saying hello – they don’t 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: Hello, nice to see you.

Paul: Hello nice to see you too. How are you?

Seija: I’m fine thank you, and how are you?

Paul (bad coughing fit!!) I’m fine!

(Seija and Paul resume their normal roles)

Seija: Paul, I’m 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 don’t repeat it as often as you do. I’m just so tired of it all. I’m going to go back to my room. I’ll 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, let’s 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.)

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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 don’t 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) I’d 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: Hello Paul, How are you, aren’t you cold in your T-shirt?

Paul: Hi Seija, No I’m fine it feels quite refreshing. Are you OK? Have you caught a cold?

Seija: 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?

Paul: That sounds quite dangerous. They should ask their landlord for better heaters. And if that doesn’t work, they could talk to the Student Advice Centre. The advisers there are really good at helping with housing problems like that.

Seija; Sounds a good idea. And another thing, this British food is so boring- don’t you

think so? Always fish and chips - everything is boiled and roasted - so taste-less. I miss my Mum’s cooking!

Paul: Well, it’s true the British aren’t famous for their cooking! But you can buy food from all over the world in Leeds, why don’t you ask your Mum for some recipes and invite some friends to try Finnish cooking?

Seija: Maybe. Oh, and this English language. I know that I still make mistakes but I’m not stupid as some British people seem to think.

Paul: English can be difficult at times, but speaking any language fluently takes time – you’ve only been here a few months.

Seija: And the studying is very hard I can’t concentrate. I’m used to getting good results at home. But my first English teacher was American so I’m used to American spelling and grammar. I have been getting low marks in my essays. I can’t write the essays the British way. I simply don’t know how to do it.

Paul: I’m sure you can get some help to write essays ‘the British way’ as you put it. Why don’t you go to the Skills Centre? They teach all kinds of study skills.

Seija And the tutors. I can’t 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 can’t help it – it’s 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 doesn’t know how to write it.

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Paul She should go to see the International Student Advisers Natalie Stevenson and Betty Vaughan. They’re really helpful and very friendly, I’m sure they’ll be able to sort it out for her.

Seija And you know I’ve heard that some places in Leeds aren’t very safe. One of my classmates had her computer laptop stolen last week.

Paul Oh dear, that’s 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 don’t talk on my mobile in the street. And of course I’ve got insurance so if anything does get stolen I can get the money back to replace it.

Seija: That’s good advice and it’s good to have a friend like you, but I’m 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.

Paul: No, don’t do that. I think you’ve been working too hard - why don’t 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 don’t 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 there’s 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 there’s 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: That’s 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 “dry–swims” 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. Don’t worry as this is quite a healthy reaction. You are reconnecting with what you value about yourself and your own culture.” Now, let’s see what happens in the next stage.

A few months later….

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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 you……Thank you I’m 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….You’re 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. I’m 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? I’ve learnt how to juggle! I’d 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 I’ve been sightseeing too. I went to York and saw the old town and the big cathedral. Have you seen it? Life is good again. I’ve 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. I’m 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.

Paul: That’s good to hear – I’m glad she found help. Are you still feeling the cold?

Seija: It’s 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 it’ll be spring soon. I can’t wait to see all the daffodils and other flowers blooming.

Paul: ‘Oh to be in England now that April’s there’ – that’s 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 – there’s Chinese, Indian, Italian and Greek food available - you don’t need to bother with the English food at all!

And what about you Paul? How is your family?

Paul: They’re all fine – the children were asking when they could see you again.

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Seija: I could come and babysit your lovely girls again on Friday if you like..Paul: That would be great.

Seija: Paul, I would like to learn how to make good English cakes called scones.

Paul: 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?

Seija I’d love to. See you. 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, let’s see what happens in the next stage.

Well, ‘time flies when you’re having fun’ they say and all too quickly Seija finishes her course and it’s 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: (To herself) I need to buy some souvenirs for my family and friends.

Paul: Hi Seija. (jogging)

Seija: Hi Paul

Paul: How quickly the time’s gone… Are you really leaving so soon?

Seija: Yes, and in the end I have really enjoyed my time here in Leeds. It’s been one of the best times in my life. Thank you for helping to make it such a good experience.

Paul: It’s been a pleasure.

Seija: 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.

Paul: Yes, it’s quite normal – it happens every year.

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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 “Reverse-Culture 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 I’ve been away. And I hope it won’t 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 I’m 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 I’m able to feel in home in two different cultures.

Paul: Yes, it’s a really valuable skill you’ve learnt. Seija: If you ever come to Finland with your family you must phone. I’d love to show

you around my country.

Paul: That would be great.

Seija: Bye, Bye: (hugging in farewell)

Narrator: (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 won’t 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 we’ve 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 don’t forget that the Chaplains and the International Student Advisers are always ready to help if you’re experiencing culture shock and you want to talk to someone who understands how you’re 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!

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Seija: (To herself) It’s 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: (Puts her backpack on the floor ) Mama! Papa!

Mother: Darling you’re 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.

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