Welcome back to the hot topic of studying abroad! Last time, we talked about the general “software”     1     (need) to have a successful studying experience overseas,     2     refers to the ability to understand western culture, and problem solving skills when     3     (face) critical situations, etc.

Now, I     4     (dig) deeper into the concept of “software”. Everyone is talking about culture shock nowadays, but you may wonder     5     it actually means. Simply put: culture shock is the difficulty people may experience when being exposed and adjusting to a     6     (remarkable) different new culture. Usually, people often go     7     four distinct phases: the honeymoon phase, the negotiation phase, the adjustment phase and the mastery phase. Culture shock can happen immediately upon your     8     (arrive) in the country.

For international students, perhaps the most direct impact of culture shock is the variety of accents, especially in multicultural countries like the US. Canada or Australia. There are two main reasons: Firstly, these countries have highly diversified groups of     9     (resident) from different cultural backgrounds. Secondly, there are many international students from all around the world every year studying in these countries, so you shouldn’t be surprised to find all kinds of     10     (familiar) accents around the university campus.

Body language     1     (use) by people for     2     (send) messages to one another.It is very     3     (amaze) because it can help you make yourself easily     4     (understand) when you are talking with others.You are not just using words, but also using expressions and gestures.For example, waving one's hand is to say “Good­bye”．Shaking hands means welcome, and clapping hands means congratulations.

In most cultures, nodding the head means agreement, but shaking the head means     5     (disagree) with something.The gestures are accepted both by the Chinese and foreigners in those cultures as     6     (have) the same meanings.

Different countries have different body language.For example, when in Russia, France and Arab people kiss each other when they meet, but men in China or Australia shake hands instead of     7     (kiss).People in Puerto Rico like       8     (touch) each other, but people in Britain do not touch each other.People in Arab like standing close one another when they are talking, but English people must keep a distance away when they are talking.It is very important to know the meanings of gestures and movements in the foreign country.     9     (follow) the customs will help you communicate with people and make your stay there much more     10     (please) and comfortable.