Postcards from the U.S. Revisited. Introduction Hopefully you remember the first presentation of Postcards from the U.S. The Cultural Journey of Yi Chen…

Postcards from the U.S.

Revisited

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.

Postcards from the U.S.

The Adventure of Arrival

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.

Postcards from the U.S.

The Sandy Slope of Expectations

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?

Postcards from the U.S.

The Lake of Retreat

The Lake of Retreat: Personal “retreats” from stress are neededStory: 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?

Postcards from the U.S.

The Forest of Culture Shock

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.?

Postcards from the U.S.

The Uphill of Cultural Adjustment

The Uphill of Cultural Adjustment: Finding ways to successfully live in a new cultureStory: 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?

Postcards from the U.S.

The Lighthouse of Guidance

The Lighthouse of Guidance: Navigating through cultural changeStory: 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, “Don’t 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?

Postcards from the U.S.

The Bridge to the Future

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?

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.