On my second day in the lovely Amsterdam, my orientation leaders gave us a packet entitled International Students and Culture Shock. The entire thing struck me as odd, even disregarding the fact it was produced by a UK organization and thus provided advice on adjusting to British cuisine, because I’ve never felt culture shock. Perhaps this is because I have only traveled to European countries with cultures that share some essential similarities with my own. I find Dutch culture to be new and exciting, but never shocking. I’ve been discussing this issue with other IES students, and so far I've found consensus that we do not experience shock so much as occasional flashes of frustration when we encounter some cultural obstacle. For example, finding sheets in local store was quite tricky because the sizes were described in centimeters rather than through the scale of twin, queen, king to which I am accustomed. Once I had figured out that my bed was 90x120cm and picked out an appropriate set of sheets, I felt great satisfaction. According to the handy “W-curve” diagram in the article, I’d have to experience the honeymoon stage, distress, re-integration, and autonomy before I could reach the independent stage that would allow me to enjoy my time in Amsterdam. I think our way of brief moments of fleeting distress followed by confidence and a sense of accomplishment is preferable, although we don’t have a nifty diagram to display it.