I’d like to thank my student Sarah Bellows for her excellent final project: International Student Interview. I would also like to thank Alex for sharing her story with us. Because of their hard work, we have access to the cross-cultural experiences of a UNR international student from El Salvador. I hope that this helps students coming to America as well as educators in America better prepare for study abroad’s challenges and rewards.
Many of Alex’s cross-cultural adaptation and transitional challenges are shared among international students. The following key points are from the video:
- Cross-Cultural Challenges: Language, making friends, and family separation. She coped with language challenges by practicing with family & Truckee Meadows Community College classes. She has made American friends through classes and work.
- Being separated from family can be very challenging but she visits home and uses Facebook, Skype, and email to communicate often.
- She likes the U.S. culture and educational system. She considers the U.S. as her home.
- Alex recommends that international students and travelers make the move to America by following all legal processes and paperwork.
- Study Abroad Rewards: Increases professional development, knowledge/experience, open-mindedness. Builds friendships, language skills, cultural competencies, international experience.
To provide more stories about study abroad in America, I will post a new international student interview from a different country each week for the few weeks. Check out previous interviews students from Beijing, China, Vietnam, Bangkok, Thailand, the Congo, and Japan. Hope you find this helpful and please comment if you do. Thanks.
Also, HLSL Institute is a helpful resource for international students, travelers, expatriates and expatriate families coming to the U.S. Check it out if you want help with cultural transition, language, transportation, and acculturation development.
Tara Madden-Dent, Ph.D. 