How do you feel about international students as an American? Or how do you feel about American students or other international students as one? Well, my friend interviewed me couple days ago for her homework in ESL (English as a Second Language) class. There were all kinds of questions on adjusting to a new culture, comparing your own culture and the others', and building intercultural friendship. (I like this kind of topic… I got more into it than my own homework…) It really got me thinking! So, I decided to share a part of it on my blog.
Here is question #6 and my answer:
“What should you and other students (both U.S.-born students and international students) do to understand one another better?"
“Keep in mind that we all are the same human beings of equal value with same feelings and needs. But there are many differences in customs, values, perspectives, and beliefs. We also have different ways to approach, interpret, and evaluate matters, so we may communicate differently. When you get to know someone from a different culture, build a relationship on something you have in common first. Everybody has goals, dreams, struggles, fears, special memories, and things and people they care about. Share those.
As you become closer, you'll see differences. Try to observe and analyze those differences objectively without judging or taking it personal. Then respect the differences. Appreciate them, if you can. There is no right or wrong about your ways or your friends’ ways. Be open-minded and don't conclude that your way or idea is the only right kind. At the same time, don't lose your own values and opinions. Just be flexible and open to other ideas. After all, you'll treasure them for who they are beyond the cultural differences."
P.S. If you want to go further on the topic of Asian-American students in the U.S., check this out!
Here is question #6 and my answer:
“What should you and other students (both U.S.-born students and international students) do to understand one another better?"
“Keep in mind that we all are the same human beings of equal value with same feelings and needs. But there are many differences in customs, values, perspectives, and beliefs. We also have different ways to approach, interpret, and evaluate matters, so we may communicate differently. When you get to know someone from a different culture, build a relationship on something you have in common first. Everybody has goals, dreams, struggles, fears, special memories, and things and people they care about. Share those.
As you become closer, you'll see differences. Try to observe and analyze those differences objectively without judging or taking it personal. Then respect the differences. Appreciate them, if you can. There is no right or wrong about your ways or your friends’ ways. Be open-minded and don't conclude that your way or idea is the only right kind. At the same time, don't lose your own values and opinions. Just be flexible and open to other ideas. After all, you'll treasure them for who they are beyond the cultural differences."
P.S. If you want to go further on the topic of Asian-American students in the U.S., check this out!
元気？？
ブログ一杯書いていてすごいね☆
私は見てもらったらわかるけど、
始めた割りにぜんぜん書いていません・・・・（＾＾；
いやぁ、ブログも十人十色で、いいんじゃない？しばらく続けていくと、自分が続けやすい長さとか、頻度とか、内容にだんだん落ち着いてくるみたい、です。無理せず楽しくやっていこ。