11:18 AM |
Author: Ryan Schaefer
I can't imagine how it would feel to experience being completely surrounded in a culture any different from my own. I guess I have lived a sheltered life or least in a cultural aspect. Two weeks ago, some of my good friends introduced me to two foreign exchange students from Spain. My friends explained to me that these exchange students were having a really difficult time adjusting to everything. They knew that I would be able to take them under my wing and help the whole "assimilation process" because I speak a good amount spanish.
I have been bombarded with question after to question. The questions range from inquires about american culture to relational dynamics. I have realized, after answering many of their questions, how confusing american culture is. I tried to explain Mardi Gras to them... it didn't go so well.
They want me to correct and teach them, but I feel like they would be too discouraged if I actually corrected everything they said. After spending half a day with them, I am exhausted. I know that people thus far have not been eager to help and have left them to fiend for themselves in a world they really don't understand. I have no problem helping, I just hope that someone is equally patient with me when I study abroad in Spain.
Things Learned:
1.) Not very many people are culturally sensitive. If something is slightly our of the realm of normalcy- People deem it weird and consider it socially awkward.
2.) Use Mean Girls as a way to smooth the assimilation process- they will understand. I promise.
3.) Exchange students worship Skype.
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1 comments:
How sweet of you, to help assimilate these foriegn exchange students. At my job, we have a manager-in-training program, where graduate students of food and beverage colleges or programs are accepted based on an application to come to the location of their choosing and learn about whatever type of hospitality they are interested in. Two of the MITS I work with are from India, and they are so fascinating. Not necessarily in terms of what they can tell me about their culture, but what they reveal to me about mine. Their inhibitions regarding asking certain questions or favors, their easy offense at stepping across sexual roles (for example, I'm a woman, and so slang terms like "shut up!" or "that is f-ing cool" create offended reactions, not necessarily because they don't understand the slang, but that I would be so familiar, being a woman, as to joke with them in a business setting...male co-workers can, however, freely), their English translations and pronunciations, as well as their overall demeanor are easily misinterpreted, causing sometimes overreactions from guests as well as co-workers.
I also work with many Filipinos, through our H2B program (workers gain American visas working through a nine-month contract and are provided with a place to stay that is paid for by bi-weekly subtractions from their paychecks)--here, too, there are cultural nuances that prove challenging, for all parties concerned. The most interesting thing I've noted is that, regardless of age, nationality or gender, we all seem to react the same when frustrated by work!
Good for you. And best of luck to them.
Also...I keep hearing about this Skype...I should check it out.