International Student Interview: Cross-Cultural Adaptation (France)

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

• Cross-Cultural Challenges: Culture differences, English language terms and phrases, making friends, separation from friends/family from France.
• He coped with challenges by studying hard, working on his English accent, communicating with Americans the majority of the time.  Living with American peers, playing tennis, and being in high school helped adaptation.
• Food was much different/ a challenge.
• He likes the U.S. culture/diversity
• He recommends that international students get involved with local people, groups, and culture as soon as they can.  Learn the language and adapt.
• Skype and email is fast and personal communication to connect with family/friends back home.
• Study Abroad Rewards:  New language skills, professional development, job opportunities, access to good education systems, cultural awareness.

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, Mexico, London, & Netherlands.  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.