This past week (before fall break) we watched the culture shock video and I thought it was really informative. I don't often think about what it would be like to study abroad in another country and especially if you are not going to be studying in your native tongue. The part that I found most interesting was the issue with how Americans communicate. I've talked to my exchange friends in the past and they've all said that one thing that really frustrates them in the beginning of their abroad experience is the way people on campus will say "hey, how are you?" to them and then walk away without actually hearing how they are. There is an expectation in the states that you are going to say "great" or "fine" or something like that and then continue walking. It is does not often happen with my American friends on campus that we greet each other in that manner and then stick around to hear the actual answer. I think it can be hand for international students because they don't realize that "hey, how are you?" basically just means "hey"!!!
I also thought it was interesting how many of the international students (and the exchange students I know) say that the amount of work they have here at Richmond is much more than they would have at home. This actually doesn't surprise me to hear because I know for the most part that when Richmond students study abroad there is typically not expectation that they have to attend all of their classes, most don't start studying until days before the final, and there is very little participation in classes (so you don't necessarily have to do the reading before class like you do at UR). I just find this very interesting! I don't know whether it's a good thing or a bad thing or just completely neutral.
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