Introduction It is seldom that education in the English- speaking nations manifests itself as the copious intercultural experience as portrayed by the marketing brochures. For most international students, establishing substantive friendship with the local students is an arduous task in as much as the international students may be assailable to new experiences. This paper is bent on discoursing some of the challenges which the international students experience and how they can undergo personal transformations which may help them during their sojourn overseas. Research context There is a far-flung disposition to comprehend international students as a homogenous group. This perception is flawed mainly because it falls short of treating them as individuals. For instance, it is a common notion that Asian students, Chinese students to be precise, bring with them cultural difference in style and methods of learning, and are thus deficiently prepared for analytical and critical thinking in the American learning institutions. Additionally, students from South East Asia are deemed as surface learners and passive non-participants in class or in study groups. Such cultural perceptions have the potential of obliterating the fundamental needs or requirements of most international students. Unimpeachably, language barrier is the greatest hurdle for most international students in their adaptation to life overseas. However, they can overcome this obstacle by apprehending the academic expectations, standards and conventions in the American schools. Methodology This research focused mainly on international students from Asian countries such as China, South Korea, Japan and India. Some students from the USA were also incorporated in this research... ... middle of paper ... ...in an effort to ameliorate the experiences of international students during their stay in America: • It is cardinal to carry out rigorous orientation or induction exercises to make crystal clear what is expected of the international students in American learning institutions. • More platforms, in which the international students interact with the home students in groups, should be established. This will assist the international students to make rapid improvements in effective communication. • The staff in most US schools should undergo developmental activities which will help them provide the much needed support to international students. Of essence, language barrier and cultural differences are incapable of deterring international students from success but anxiety can. Anxiety makes us retrogressive and restrains us from challenges, eventual progress and success.
Giving international students a permit to work-off campus offers them a chance to interact with residents at work place where interaction is very essential. This gives the students a chance to develop their communication skills because they get a chance to talk and improve on their English language. It is observed that most of the students shy away from speaking with the residents due to fear of displaying their accent while communicating which may sound funny at times. Developing communication skills especially in English language which is very diverse Worldwide and is the language used while teaching in class helps the students so much. Research reveals that most of the students are from English-speaking countries, which makes it an added advantage. It helps build confidence in speaking and a good command in writing, these skills are important when applying for jobs and writing curriculum vitas.
Cultural differences pose several barriers for students and may impair their opportunity to learn. These barriers are created by differences in language expression, communication style, preferred learning style, gender-role customs and behaviors, and limited parental involvement due to these cultural or socioeconomic barriers (Ralabate, & Klotz, 2007).
My ideologies, upbringing and identity play a huge role in setting me apart as an international student in a predominantly large college, consisting of a majority of Americans. Thinking about what led me to actually be here at Syracuse University, away from my home, half way across the globe and combing Mill’s theory, it all comes together and makes sense. A few members of my family received an education abroad in the United States. My family history of people going abroad to study, eventually led my parents and I to decide that I wanted to study in the United States as well. Besides this, several social structures also influenced this decision.
Every year, more and more International students are coming to the U.S. for pursuing higher education. According to the Open Doors report published annually by the Institute of International Education (IIE), the number of intern...
American students have been such a question mark for the international students, their way of living and thinking is way different than any international student and this is noticeable. Students from all over the world notice a difficulty in dealing with the Americans and mentally understand them. Therefore, Rebekah Nathan argues that in her article “As Other See Us” and discusses the differences between the American and the international students. Moreover, she uses different evidence based on students from different backgrounds and cultures. Nathan goes over opinions and stories that happens with the international students in the US and what they think about these situation, which they considers weird in the eyes of the international students.
In the last few years, studying abroad has become an increasingly popular choice for higher education among international students (Accessibility Navigation, 2014). An average of 10% of students in universities all across the UK are international students from countries all over the world. (Accessibility Navigation, 2014). Although the experience is different for each individual student, there are many common problems that international students face. Those problems include: culture shock to varying degrees coupled with emotional issues(Bailey, 2005), Language barriers along with other communication problems (Sherry et al, 2009), and academic problems due to a change in school curriculum (Ramachandran, 2011). This essay will expand on the common problems faced by international students in the UK, offer solutions for handling the problems, and making the process of acclimating to a new environment easier for students.
Being an international student is exciting. It offers a lot of exposure and scope for improvement. Canada has a lot of institutions that accept foreign students, but before that, the practical difficulties an international student might face in the country should be noted.
Recent years have witnessed more and more international students study in the United States. From my personal experience as an international student, I recognized the differences in culture between the international students and the American students. Likewise, a Rebekah Nathan’s chapter, “As Others See Us,” demonstrates that how an international student as minorities see American students. Nathan, a professor who goes undercover as a student in her university, conducts an ethnographic study to examine the interaction between American students and international students. Nathan shows how international students have problems with American students because American students tend to form superficial relationship. This is because American students do not express the close relationship within family and friends. Moreover, international students have a difficult time making friends because American only seems care about themselves, they do not seem to care about the rest of the world. Nathan claims that international students usually stay within their own ethnic group is valid. However, Nathan claims that Americans do not make the effort to make friends with international
Moving to a different country is all life dream for some, and a scary nightmare for the other half. But I am somewhere in the “golden middle”. My first immigration life experience is full of strong feelings and moments. When I recall them, I feel both happiness and sadness at the same time. Because I went through many things, like having language issues, meeting new people, which may be good or bad.
Coming to the United States for college can introduce cultural differences that even the most prepared students might not anticipate. From campus life to classroom etiquette, US school can be quite a different experience from learning in other countries around the world. It is rather natural for students from other countries to join communities that somehow remind them of home and give them the opportunity to remain connected with their roots and at the same time bring the world a little closer to fellow classmates. By raising collective cultural awareness, organized expressions of diversity which create a cultural spillover from which we all benefit.
Going to study in a new country can be a stressful experience, from learning the culture norms to new foods. Culture shock is common with international students. Culture shock can include, meeting new people, language barriers, social behaviors, and a sense of community. A students comfortability with the culture of their new home can determine their learning experience. It can be an emotional rollercoaster, being so far away from family and friends. American culture is difficult to understand. International students find Americans to be confusing. Social norms vary depending on the part of the country a person is in.
B. Students gain the ability to adapt in unfamiliar situations crossing linguistic boarders and effectively communicating across cultures.
One of the main problems confronting international students is to create new friendships with others, who come from different backgrounds. Constantine (2005) states that some students might find it challenging to create friendships and to lead active social lives because of a list of reasons, such as their limited English skills, lack of experience and familiarity with students’ interactive behavio...
Firstly, university students will meet others from a wide variety of backgrounds and broaden their understanding of other cultures. Students who reside in halls will most likely encounter an international student; in 2013/14 they
An exchange student is a student that leaves his/her country for a foreign one for a year, where she/he usually learns a new language and experiences a new culture. Nowadays, there are more than 35 international exchange programs from which very many high school students benefit. For instance, each year, almost 13000 students travel on American Field Service Intercultural Programs between 65 countries (AFS, 2011). Unfortunately, the number of students who go on exchange is still relatively low, even if the benefits they receive are big. Because the age of 15-18 is the perfect period of time for going on an exchange [1], students discover a new culture and develop themselves [2], adults can have a new experience by taking a student into their family [3] and the students would be equal if they had the same opportunities and chances [4], I think that all high-school students should be required to fulfill one year abroad as exchange students.