International and Immigrant Students in the United States

There are some "predictable problem areas for international students and immigrants studying in the United States. Making friends is a challenge (this is also true for some American students). Many colleges and universities offer a variety of student clubs and organizations where both foreign-born and American students have a greater chance of meeting people with shared interests. Information about these extracurricular activities is often posted in the student center and listed in the student newspaper. Sometimes foreign students and immigrant students find Americans to be "cliquish." (Americans find some non-U.S.-born students to be cliquish as well.) If people feel excluded from the social aspects of American college life, they should actively seek people with shared interests. It is unlikely that students will make friends just by passing people in the hallways.

Foreign or immigrant students may be disoriented during the first few weeks at a new school because they do not understand the system and are not willing to ask questions. Many students do not take advantage of the numerous services offered on campus that assist students in developing new skills and social groups. Some colleges offer students tutorial support in such subjects as writing, language study, computer skills, and other basic subjects. Students who appear to be most successful in "learning the ropes" are those who take the initiative to ask questions, locate resources, and experience new social situations.

The American classroom is governed by numerous culturally dictated attitudes and expectations. For example, educational practices such as the honor system and student participation indicate a respect for individual responsibility and independence. Foreign and immigrant students should anticipate that cross-cultural misunderstandings may arise as a result of differences. Having an awareness of cultural differences and flexibility with regard to one's own expectations and behavior are important factors in enhancing successful learning.

8. Read the text “The Times I Called Home from College”and say when you call your parents. Comment on ridiculous occasions described in the story. The Times I Called Home from College

• When I got off the plane

• When I met my roommate

• When I wanted my stereo sent to me

• When I fought with my roommate

• When I needed money

• When I needed to know how to make mashed potatoes

• When I put liquid dish soap in the dishwasher

• When I wanted to know how to get soy sauce out of rayon

• When I got in a car accident

• When I failed a test

• When I met a special girl

• When I lost a special girl

• When I got lonely

• When I got a kitten

• When I got fleas

• When I didn't want to study

• When I needed money

• When they sent me a care package

• When I got a good grade

• When I got published in the school newspaper

• When it was my mom's birthday

• When it was my birthday

• When I needed help moving out of the dorms

• When I changed majors

• When I changed majors again

• When we won the big game

• When we went to war in the Gulf

• When there were riots

• When I gave up meat

• When I wanted my parents to give up meat

• When I needed money

• When I got the flu

• When my parents had an anniversary

• When Grandpa died

• When there was an earthquake

• When I met someone famous

• When I needed money

• When I got a night job

• When I needed advice

• When a friend from high school got cancer

• When I felt no one understood

• When I wanted a ticket home

• When I won an award

• When I needed a relative's address

• When I ran out of stamps

• When I wanted some homemade cookies

• When I needed money

• When I just wanted to tell them I loved them