International Student Interview: Cross-Cultural Adaptation (London, England)

I’d like to thank my student Delvonya for her excellent final project: International Student Interview.  I would also like to thank Patrick Nyeko for sharing his story with us.  Because of their hard work, we have access to the cross-cultural experiences of a UNR international student from London, England.  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 Patrick’s cross-cultural adaptation and transitional challenges are shared among international students.  The following key points are from the video:

• Cross-Cultural Challenges: Language, homesickness, culture shock.
• He coped with language challenges by practicing “American English” speaking and writing skills every day by taking classes and practicing with friends.
• It was difficult competing with student peers and teammates because he felt he was at a disadvantage by not knowing the culture as he struggled with missing home, family, and friends.  He used social media and email to connect those back home.
• The basketball team was a support and the athletic scholarship was helpful.
• There was no structured cultural transition assistance.
• He likes the U.S. culture, food, cars, big roads, diversity, the “American Dream” and freedom to create himself and be an individual.
• Patrick recommends that international students and travelers “get your papers right” and follow visa or passport processes.  Also, know someone in the U.S. before you move here.  Having no family or friends living in the U.S. was a challenge for Patrick.

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, and Mexico.  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.