interesting and it also opened my eyes to a lot of the hardships and
problems that international students encounter while they attend our
University. I went abroad so I know how it feels to try to immerse
yourself within an unfamiliar culture. I remember when I first arrived
in Australia, I was scared and alone and above all, I felt extremely
uncomfortable and intimated. I did not know anyone and I did not have
any idea what to expect. However, I told myself before I left that it
was important to always keep a positive attitude and to try to find the
best in every situation, regardless of how the situation made me feel
and that is exactly what I did.
Oneof the things the students in the video mentioned was that they were
surprised about the amount of participation that was required in
certain classes. Many of them were used to big lecture halls, with
class sizes ranging from 40 to 200 students. Well, I am not at all
shocked that the class sizes here took them by surprise considering
most of our classes have between 10 and 20 students. However, while
this system ensured that they were prepared for every class and
actually encouraged them to do their readings, many of the
international students noted that it was difficult for them to
participate in class. They were intimated by American students and felt
that they would not be accepted or that they would be judged for the
comments they were making. I can definitely say that I know exactly
where they are coming from. I remember in one of my lectures in
Australia, class participation was worth 40% and yet, it took me at
least two weeks to make one comment. Believe it or not, I stood out
like a sore thumb for being American and I was worried that the
Australian students would criticize my opinions and beliefs. However, I
soon realized that this was far from the case and that most Australians
actually liked hearing about American culture and the American way of
life :).
Anotherpoint that the international students made on the video was that they
thought American students were disciplined and hard-working. I cannot
say that I was not flattered when I heard this remark. I love living in
America and having the privilege to attend the University of Richmond.
There is always something to do and as one of the students mentioned on
the video “life here is accelerated” and I do not think this statement
can be more accurate. When I went to Australia, one of the first things
I noticed was how slow-moving everything was and how people did things
at their own pace, at their own time. This was something that I was not
used to. Fast-food restaurants were anything but fast and dinner at
restaurants took an average of two hours, even if there were just two
of us eating! I definitely would not give up the fast-pace lifestyle of
America. I enjoy doing things quickly and getting to where I need to
be, when I need to be there.
Overall,I learned a lot by watching the Culture Shock video. It goes to show us
that maybe we need to reach out more to international students, not
just us, but the University as a whole. I do not think many students
here realize how hard it is for international students to adapt to our
culture and our way of life and it is up to us to help them with that.
After all, I know that I would want the same courtesy if I were to ever
visit their homeland.
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