105: Learning Journal #6

[Krystin Schwarze]

After watching the culture shock video, I realize that there are many things I take for granted being a native speaker at the University of Richmond. I think the first thing I think about for international students is that learning in the classroom would be harder. Even though I am an intermediate level Spanish speaker, I don't think I would be able to understand/ take any college level course (besides Spanish) and do well in the class. While learning and comprehending classes in your native language must be difficult, that is only a small part of the difficulties international students face.From the video I learned that culture shock normally includes a "honeymoon" phase, where everything is new, exciting, and overall pleasant for the student, but then after this stage, it is normally followed by homesickness, frustration, and loneliness.One thing I really liked about the documentary was that it gave some helpful ways that culture shock can be mitigated. The first piece of advice was to become anthropologists, and study the culture you are in, seeking to understand it. The second piece of advice was to get involved and join things. Finding friends through common interests such as sports clubs, music groups, etc. is a great way to spend time and get to really know people in a meaningful way.While being an international student is hard, studying abroad is very valuable. It provides a lot of opportunity for personal growth and enrichment, both for the international student and the non-international students they meet.