College Students' Experiences of Culture Shock during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of a Philippine State University

Abstract

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have permeated not only within the healthcare institution but also into every other social institution, including the economy, family, education, religion, and government. Quarantine measures meant to prevent the further spread of the virus have ushered in a so-called "new normal" where safety protocols are foremost. As a result, the "normal" activities related to education, religion, government, economy, and family have drastically changed within a few months. This paper focuses on the culture shock experience among college students in a state university in northern Cebu, Philippines, given these drastic changes in all aspects of life. Data are taken from students’ narratives of their experiences in the new normal, specifically in online classes. Although culture shock is often described as exposure to a different culture, results show that it is similar to students’ experiences in this pandemic, wherein there are changes in meanings of space and place, particularly the home. What was once a place primarily for family activities has been transformed into a classroom, a workplace, and a place of worship, among others. Results also show that necessary adjustments have been made to make this arrangement work. This implies that culture shock is not only confined to exposure to a different culture but could also be experienced as a result of drastic changes in everyday life within one's own culture.