Every single year, thousands of international students come to the United States with grandiose dream and hope to achieve American dream, pursuing higher and better education. However, the journey is not quite as easy as they think. Some do struggle with culture shock, adapting to new situation, and making new friends. According to the articles I researched, I will demonstrate the difficulties with culture shock, making American friends, and how to prevent those problems beforehand.
It is quite common in Asian school culture that students simply listen, but participate. Teacher merely gives lecture and students merely recite or memorize the materials. Importantly, this culture is quite contradictory to the culture of American school. According to the Min Hua Hsieh, “Chinese international students keep silent in her American classes” (Min Hua Hsieh, 2007). Therefore, because of his silence, the participant internalized a deficient self-perception as a useless person in any group discussions and perceived that a deficient identity was attributed to him. This is one of the serious, primary struggles that numerous international students face because the purpose of most of the international student in the United States is education.
If culture shock is really inevitable, how to prepare it? Many people posit that the students need to ask counselors for advice. However, according to research, “willingness to see a counselor for personal problems/concerns was not necessary related to one’s level of culture shock” (Gaw, 2000). Instead, the students who experience culture shock at college in the United States are encouraged to watch an American TV shows which entails lots of socio-cultural aspect. In addition, the experts encourage the students to learn as much as they can about the new location. Furthermore, one should stay positive people and be active in campus.
Making American friends for international students can be one way to avoid culture shock. Culture differences can be introduced to the international students in a friendly way by their American friends. So, how can they make American friends? “don’t be embarrassed about being different. Instead, talk about yourself and help others understand why you are different” (Stahl, 2012). Everyone has different stories and background. No one can be exactly the same. Especially in the United States, where diversity is highly valued, It is perfectly fine to admit that one is different. Moreover, “pursue your hobbies and interests” (Stahl, 2012). The most efficient and best way to bond with people is through group activities. One should check out its school’s clubs and organizations to get involved at your institution. Even though one might lack in fluency in English, just the fact that one is pursuing the same interest can bond people instantly.
After researching about international students’ struggles and the solutions, I have concluded that international students can definitely overcome any obstacles by sharing their interests with their fellow students and learning about the United States’ unique culture before they come to the states for education. Indeed, it will take much effort and time to adapt to new culture, but it is part of learning process which will make one to become a well-rounded person in the end.
It is quite common in Asian school culture that students simply listen, but participate. Teacher merely gives lecture and students merely recite or memorize the materials. Importantly, this culture is quite contradictory to the culture of American school. According to the Min Hua Hsieh, “Chinese international students keep silent in her American classes” (Min Hua Hsieh, 2007). Therefore, because of his silence, the participant internalized a deficient self-perception as a useless person in any group discussions and perceived that a deficient identity was attributed to him. This is one of the serious, primary struggles that numerous international students face because the purpose of most of the international student in the United States is education.
If culture shock is really inevitable, how to prepare it? Many people posit that the students need to ask counselors for advice. However, according to research, “willingness to see a counselor for personal problems/concerns was not necessary related to one’s level of culture shock” (Gaw, 2000). Instead, the students who experience culture shock at college in the United States are encouraged to watch an American TV shows which entails lots of socio-cultural aspect. In addition, the experts encourage the students to learn as much as they can about the new location. Furthermore, one should stay positive people and be active in campus.
Making American friends for international students can be one way to avoid culture shock. Culture differences can be introduced to the international students in a friendly way by their American friends. So, how can they make American friends? “don’t be embarrassed about being different. Instead, talk about yourself and help others understand why you are different” (Stahl, 2012). Everyone has different stories and background. No one can be exactly the same. Especially in the United States, where diversity is highly valued, It is perfectly fine to admit that one is different. Moreover, “pursue your hobbies and interests” (Stahl, 2012). The most efficient and best way to bond with people is through group activities. One should check out its school’s clubs and organizations to get involved at your institution. Even though one might lack in fluency in English, just the fact that one is pursuing the same interest can bond people instantly.
After researching about international students’ struggles and the solutions, I have concluded that international students can definitely overcome any obstacles by sharing their interests with their fellow students and learning about the United States’ unique culture before they come to the states for education. Indeed, it will take much effort and time to adapt to new culture, but it is part of learning process which will make one to become a well-rounded person in the end.
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