2008 Woodie Awards
Stepping into a new culture
International students often need time to adjust to life in Bowling Green
By: Becky Tener
Issue date: 3/20/08 Section: Campus
International students come to the University to study their fields of interest and practice their English.
But beyond their school responsibilities, many international students deal with cultural differences that can make adjustment to life at the University more stressful, said Anne Saviers, assistant director of the Center for International Programs.
Before international students begin attending classes, the center eases the stress of culture shock with a few days of orientation. New students are shown how to register for classes, open a bank account and find an on-campus job.
"We try to get them started," Saviers said.
The center workers provide students with as much information as they can, especially warnings about certain social behaviors, such as drinking and parties, she said.
Junior and Mexican native Mario Reynoso-Caro said not being allowed to drink here has been annoying, because at age 20, he has been able to drink legally in his country since his 18th birthday.
International students also find other annoyances while living in Bowling Green.
Guest student Anahit Asatryan, who is from Armenia, said she was stunned by her new living conditions.
It was difficult to adjust to the size of her dorm room, to live in the same building as male students and deal with residence hall bathrooms, she said.
"There is no lock on the door and no door on the shower, just a curtain," Asatryan said.
International students also face the challenge of getting around off campus.
Junior Sophia Woodward is from England and said she was amazed at how difficult it was for her to get anywhere.
"Even isolated villages [in England] have a bus service," she said.
Saviers said many international students are from large cities and have never needed to drive or find other means of transportation, making their lack of transportation options in Bowling Green more jarring.
While adapting to their new home, international students also must adapt to new foods.
But beyond their school responsibilities, many international students deal with cultural differences that can make adjustment to life at the University more stressful, said Anne Saviers, assistant director of the Center for International Programs.
Before international students begin attending classes, the center eases the stress of culture shock with a few days of orientation. New students are shown how to register for classes, open a bank account and find an on-campus job.
"We try to get them started," Saviers said.
The center workers provide students with as much information as they can, especially warnings about certain social behaviors, such as drinking and parties, she said.
Junior and Mexican native Mario Reynoso-Caro said not being allowed to drink here has been annoying, because at age 20, he has been able to drink legally in his country since his 18th birthday.
International students also find other annoyances while living in Bowling Green.
Guest student Anahit Asatryan, who is from Armenia, said she was stunned by her new living conditions.
It was difficult to adjust to the size of her dorm room, to live in the same building as male students and deal with residence hall bathrooms, she said.
"There is no lock on the door and no door on the shower, just a curtain," Asatryan said.
International students also face the challenge of getting around off campus.
Junior Sophia Woodward is from England and said she was amazed at how difficult it was for her to get anywhere.
"Even isolated villages [in England] have a bus service," she said.
Saviers said many international students are from large cities and have never needed to drive or find other means of transportation, making their lack of transportation options in Bowling Green more jarring.
While adapting to their new home, international students also must adapt to new foods.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Robert Johnson
posted 3/20/08 @ 11:40 AM EST
To me, it seems like the international students are hard to find on campus to me. I plan on learning Japanese and who like to talk and know more about their culture and language, but can never seem to find them on campus. (Continued…)
troy chamberlain
posted 3/23/08 @ 7:44 PM EST
It is sad that most of our generation never really wants to talk about important stuff like science and philosophy. Some of us do though, so we arent't all that bad. (Continued…)
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