Postcards from the U.S.

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Postcards from the U.S.

• Revisited

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Introduction

• Hopefully you remember the first presentation of
  Postcards from the U.S. The Cultural Journey of
  Yi Chen An International Student.
• This second presentation is a series of short
  true stories of international students
  experiencing each of the seven phases of cultural
  adjustment (seven postcards).
• These stories can be used for personal reflection
  or for group discussion.

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Postcards from the U.S.

• The Adventure of Arrival

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The Adventure of Arrival Initial attitudes
experiences in the U.S.

• Story An international student from southern
  Asia, Dinesh, was arriving for the first time in
  the U.S. at the San Francisco airport. After
  spending many hours flying from his home country,
  he was very tired. Walking through the airport,
  he noticed a sign, Restrooms. He thought to
  himself, How innovative Americans are! They
  even provide a place in the airport to rest and
  relax and maybe I can even take a nap. Dinesh
  quickly rushed with all his luggage to get to the
  restroom. As the student entered the restroom,
  his excitement quickly changed to surprise and
  embarrassment.
• Discussion or personal reflection (1) What would
  be the best way to respond if this happened to
  you? (2) Think about a time when you were
  surprised by something you have encountered in
  the U.S. Share this with the group.

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Postcards from the U.S.

• The Sandy Slope of Expectations

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The Sandy Slope of Expectations Expecting the
ideal adjusting to the real

• Story Two international students from the Middle
  East were excited about attending a welcoming
  reception for new international students that
  was hosted by the president of the university.
  They wore dress shirts and ties. They were
  looking forward to meeting the president and
  enjoying a meal with other students. They were
  surprised when they saw the president wearing a
  casual shirt without a tie. The president gave a
  brief welcome speech and then left for an
  important meeting. The only food was cookies and
  ice tea. The students, who were expecting a
  formal reception, were very disappointed and
  confused.
• Discussion or personal reflection (1) What could
  the students have done to avoid this
  disappointing situation? (2) Social events
  provide a unique challenge for international
  students since expectations may be very
  different. How can you prepare yourself for
  these differences?

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Postcards from the U.S.

• The Lake of Retreat

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The Lake of Retreat Personal retreats from
stress are needed

• Story A dozen international students in
  California were taken on a trip to Yosemite
  National Park by some American friends. It was
  the middle of the semester and some of the
  students almost stayed behind because they were
  so busy with their course work. Others could not
  wait to get away from their studies. In the
  setting of beautiful trees, mountains, lakes and
  waterfalls, many were able to relax for the first
  time since the beginning of the semester. Most of
  the students had not realized how stressed they
  were. The time in the park was very refreshing.
  They felt they could now face their stressful
  life with more strength. The only negative about
  the trip was that some students did not want to
  return to the campus. They wanted to spend the
  rest of the semester enjoying the park and
  relaxing!
• Discussion or personal reflection (1) How do you
  cope with the stress of studying and living in
  the US? (2) Have you taken any significant
  breaks from your studies? What did you do? (3)
  When could withdrawing from stress become a
  negative influence?

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Postcards from the U.S.

• The Forest of Culture Shock

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The Forest of Culture ShockFeeling lost in a
new culture

• Story A Muslim international student, Sasha,
  spent her first semester in the U.S. living in a
  dormitory. Her roommate was an American. Very
  quickly clashes began. Her roommate wanted rock
  music playing when she studied. She would invite
  friends into her room when Sasha was trying to
  study. One evening Sasha walked into her dorm
  room to find her roommate and boyfriend having
  sex. Sasha was so embarrassed she did not return
  to her room for the rest of the week. She found
  another international student who let her sleep
  on her floor. Sasha felt like she had no friends
  and decided to go home in the middle of the
  semester. At the airport, several Americans from
  her dorm and her roommate showed up to say
  goodbye. With tears, they said, We are going to
  miss you! Sasha was really confused as she
  boarded the plane.
• Discussion and personal reflection (1) Why do
  you think the Americans showed their friendship
  at the last minute? (2) What could Sasha have
  done to cope with these clashes and remain in the
  U.S.?

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Postcards from the U.S.

• The Uphill of Cultural Adjustment

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The Uphill of Cultural Adjustment Finding ways
to successfully live in a new culture

• Story In the western part of the U.S. there is a
  national park that has beautiful natural rock
  formations. It is a popular place for Americans
  and many international students and guests to
  visit. As you drive through the park there is a
  place that goes through a narrow passageway with
  high walls of rock. It is called, Narrows.
  For many years, some visitors would turn back at
  the entrance because it appeared that it was too
  narrow for their cars to fit. The park rangers
  finally solved the problem by putting up a sign
  that read, Narrows Others have made it, you can
  too!
• Discussion or personal reflection (1) What have
  you learned since coming to the U.S. that has
  encouraged you or helped you with cultural
  adjustment? (2) What kind of activities do you do
  with others that helps you feel energized and
  supported? (3) If an international student was
  struggling with making new friends, what advice
  would you give?

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Postcards from the U.S.
The Lighthouse of Guidance
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The Lighthouse of Guidance Navigating through
cultural change

• Story An international student from Asia came to
  see her host family before returning to her home
  country. She told her family that her parents
  were arranging a marriage for her. She said, I
  come from a very traditional family but I will
  choose my own husband. Her American family
  asked her, Do you realize how much you have
  changed? She responded, I have been very
  careful to surround myself with Chinese friends,
  eat Chinese food, and maintain regular contact
  with my family. I have not changed. The family
  gently said, Dont you see? You have become
  more of an individual and want to make your own
  choices. Would you have thought of telling your
  family you wanted to choose your own marriage
  partner before coming to the U.S.? She said,
  You are right. I wonder what other changes I
  have made. I wish I could have realized this
  earlier.
• Discussion or personal reflection (1) In what
  ways do you believe that you will change in the
  U.S.? (2) What resources will you use to help you
  navigate through change in the U.S. (e.g., family
  values, tradition, religion, friends, own
  choices, etc.)? (3) What strategies could an
  international student use to better control the
  cultural pressures to change?

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Postcards from the U.S.

• The Bridge to the Future

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The Bridge to the Future Stepping into the
future with confidence

• Story An international student who had graduated
  went to see one of his advisors about returning
  home. He told the advisor, I did not believe
  you when you told us during orientation that we
  would change and become bicultural. I now
  realize that I have changed and I am fearful
  about returning home. I am afraid that I may
  have trouble fitting in. I also have many
  friends here and a good job offer. Maybe I
  should try to stay in the U.S. Maybe I should
  try to get another degree. Leaving the
  university after 5 years is difficult. What
  should I do?
• Discussion or personal reflection (1) What
  would you say to this student? (2) What can the
  student do to turn his fears into confidence?

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A Helpful Tool

• Purchase a blank notebook to use as a journal.
  Studies show this can be a helpful tool for
  self-management and mental health.
  Self-reflection helps you to review your progress
  and renew your purpose. It can also be a key
  tool in helping you control the changes you are
  experiencing.
• Make entries every day, once a week or monthly.
  Describe any of the cultural phases you are going
  through or simply write your own story that you
  would like to share with your family someday.