"Lost in Germany?" Tools for Navigating Cultural Adaptation

Different, unfamiliar, or even strange – or just plain exhausting? 

When navigating a new environment, it’s easy to feel out of place, uncertain, or even "lost."
But you’re not alone—everyone who steps out of their familiar surroundings and into a new system experiences this to some degree. Whether you’ve just arrived or have been here for years, this feeling of not quite being settled or comfortable can persist.
Because we all respond to stress differently, cultural stress often goes unnoticed as an underlying cause. Yet this is a natural part of any mobility experience—and there are strategies to navigate the challenge of cultural adaptation more effectively and with greater ease, and even turn it into an opportunity for growth.

In this interactive workshop, you’ll explore practical tools and strategies to better understand and manage cultural stress.  Through short theoretical input, hands-on exercises, and guided reflection, you’ll gain fresh perspectives on the adaptation process and discover ways to make life in Germany feel more balanced and rewarding.

You’ll also have the opportunity to share experiences, exchange practical tips, and connect with other international students in a safe, supportive space

What we’ll cover:

1. My experience in Germany

• Identifying personal stressors and coping resources
• Reflecting on and strengthening your strategies for managing cultural stres
• Rethinking the “culture shock” model: a fresh perspective on a familiar concept

2. My communities and social connections

• Getting to know and using support networks on and off campus

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a clearer understanding of your own adaptation process and feel better equipped to navigate current and future challenges with confidence and curiosity.

The aim of this workshop is for you to 

• better understand the phenomenon of cultural stress and yourself,
• optimize your strategies and use them in a targeted manner to reduce cultural stress,
• “reconcile” yourself with the question of belonging and utilize the potential that lies behind it,
• be better equipped to manage your current stay as well as future challenges.