International Students' Experience

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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. Everyone reacts differently to new environments.While some are excited others are upset to have to leave important people behind. Culture shock comes in many different forms and sizes, some may find it harder to adjust than others. The difficulties to adjusting don’t always show up right away (TeensHealth). Culture shock is experienced in many different ways some common feelings are; sadness, loneliness, anxiety, trouble concentrating, feeling left out, negative feelings towards the new culture and frustration (TeensHealth). These feelings are temporary, eventually people get used to their surroundings. Although, many have been planning on the change for a long time, many still experience the impact of culture shock (International Students and Culture Shock). A huge majority of the cultures norms are based on language. New languages are always overwhelming.English is difficult language to learn, especially if it isn’t practiced often. The english language includes rules that can be frustrating to get a grip of. Many International students face the fear of not being understood or not pronouncing something correct... ... middle of paper ... ...ternational Students and Cultural Shock. (n.d.). Retrieved April 09, 2014, from http://www.washington.edu/counseling/resources/resources-for-students/international-students-and-cultural-shock/ Meeting the Needs of International Students. (n.d.). Retrieved April 09, 2014, from http://www.cgu.edu/pages/948.asp Nathan, R. (2005). My freshman year: What a professor learned by becoming a student. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. Share Your World and Open Theirs. Host Today. (n.d.). Retrieved April 09, 2014, from http://www.ayusa.org/ TeensHealth. (n.d.). Retrieved April 09, 2014, from http://teenshealth.org/teen/your_mind/emotions/culture_shock.html Tensions simmer between American and international students | Inside Higher Ed. (n.d.). Retrieved April 10, 2014, from http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2012/10/16/tensions-simmer-between-american-and-international-students

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