Journal #5- 105

[Abigail Sohkhlet]

I could very much relate to the Culture Shock video because I am also an International student in this university. I mainly have American friends and did not establish relationships with any international students so I was unable to assess if my situation was unique or not. That is why the video was a fresh thing to witness. I learned that I was not the only who had a very difficult time adjusting to this country. I was very shocked when it came to greeting people. I come from India and although we are mainly a collectivist society, we do not greet and ask strangers how they are doing. When I was first asked that by people on campus I found it very strange but little did I realize that they did not ask it out of compassion or care but mainly because it was a normal way of greeting one another. I admit that I was a bit hurt when they walked pass me after asking such a weighted question but I got used to it one day at a time. This is why I can very much relate to them and this is why I never underestimate a person’s mental and emotional strength when they decide to go abroad for any reason.