International Student Interview: Cross-Cultural Adaptation (Mexico)

I’d like to thank my student Kourtney for her excellent final project: International Student Interview. I would also like to thank Amanda 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 Mexico. 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 Amanda’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 transportation. She coped with language challenges by practicing with family. She has made American friends through her cousin. Until Amanda gets a drivers license, she relies on family to get around town.
•Being separated from family can be very challenging but she uses Skype and email to communicate often.
•She likes the U.S. culture and food the most.
•Amanda recommends that international students and travelers “Be proactive” by learning about where they’re moving to and to get involved with extracurricular activities. She joined a church and Cross-fit (gym exercise class).
•Having a family member living in the U.S. helped Amanda’s adjustment.

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, Japan, El Salvador. 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.