In Episode 01 of Culture Shock,

I sat down with men’s soccer player Zach Younis from Chester, England, to talk about his journey adjusting to life in the United States. Zach’s story connects with many international students and athletes. He left home, started fresh, and found his place in a completely new culture. He moved from England to Kansas to play soccer at Kansas Wesleyan University, chasing his passion for the sport and a chance to grow as a person.

For Zach, the move wasn’t easy. Leaving behind family, friends, and the rhythm of life in England came with challenges. At first, he struggled with homesickness and the shock of living somewhere so different. The food, accents, and weather all felt unfamiliar. Even daily interactions took time to understand. Still, his love for soccer and excitement for new experiences kept him focused. The sport became his anchor—something constant when everything else felt uncertain.

Over time, Zach began to adjust

He built strong friendships with teammates who shared his drive and love for the game. At first, it took some time to connect, but soon the bond grew naturally. Through long practices, bus rides, and weekend matches, those teammates eventually turned into close friends. Beyond the field, Zach also connected with classmates who welcomed him into American college life. Together, they explored Salina, hung out after practice, and laughed about cultural differences. Whether it was new slang, bigger food portions, or even how Americans treat sports like a religion, those shared moments ultimately helped him feel more at home. Over time, these experiences not only strengthened his friendships but also made the transition smoother and more meaningful.

Zach believes staying open-minded is key. Adjusting to a new culture takes patience and effort. You need to make mistakes, ask questions, and keep learning. For him, finding balance between soccer, school, and social life has been essential. Every time he stepped out of his comfort zone, he grew stronger. He didn’t just develop as an athlete—he grew as a person.

Culture Shock

That’s exactly what Culture Shock is all about. At its core, this podcast shares real stories like Zach’s and carefully explores what it truly takes to handle change. Throughout each episode, we talk about the challenges, the funny moments, and most importantly, the lessons learned along the way. In addition, each episode offers practical tips and advice to help you feel more at home in new environments. Whether you’re moving to a new country, starting college, or even facing a major life shift, these conversations will ultimately help you adapt with confidence. From there, we dive into making friends, trying new foods, adjusting to different classes, and also embracing unfamiliar traditions that shape who we become.

In the end, Zach’s journey clearly proves that change isn’t something to fear. Instead, it’s a force that shapes, strengthens, and ultimately defines you. By moving abroad, Zach pushed himself to grow, connect, and eventually redefine who he is. Through his experience, he shows that when you embrace change instead of resisting it, you open yourself up to endless opportunities and lifelong friendships. Ultimately, change doesn’t just test you—it transforms you. And for that reason, Culture Shock exists: to remind us all that growth begins the moment we step outside our comfort zones.

Link to KWU mens soccer Zach’s bio: https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/zachariah-younis/11192

Link to next episode: https://www.kwustudentmedia.com/podcast/culture-shock-ep…el-barnes-sotelo/