I think adjusting to the overall American culture is difficult for
international students in general. My participants don’t seem very frustrated,
rather, willing to learn about how to assimilate to this new environment and
embrace the culture. Language, social norms, socializing all are very different
from China, where most of my participants are from. They seem to most benefit
from taking excursions to restaurants where they can practice their demeanor,
etiquette, and ability to engage in conversations with others in the U.S.
I think Sweetland can provide them with learning tools or videos
depicting the transition of international students who have been a part of Chat
Cafes in the past. Hearing from them can help them relate and understand what
they can do better to learn about a foreign country. It will provide them with
advice and guidance from people who have been in their shoes and help them
better position themselves in the environment and culture associated with it.
What are you thoughts on this? Does the class have any other
suggestions? Have you seen many cultural frustrations in your chat cafes and if
so, how have you dealt with it?
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