People all around were speaking French — this wasn’t so horrific. French-speaking commuters filled the plane. The anxiety for this trip to the United States was exaggerated.
However, stepping onto the plane in Paris and getting off in New York City presented two different worlds.
“I didn’t understand all the signs or the directions,” said Greg Rouault, an international student from Paris. “Some confused me. Everything looked so different.”
Three years later, Rouault said much has transformed in his life. The expressions of shock are not as frequent. The shock of American culture has worn off with his adjustment.
Looking at Rouault, it is difficult to tell he is a foreign student. No visual clues reveal he is different than any other American college student. Nothing in his wardrobe suggests he is, but other subtle hints reveal his French nature. Clues such as his light skin and quiet demeanor are examples.
For Rouault, an OSU senior, American culture is just becoming natural. Rouault is one of thousands of foreign students on the OSU campus who have had to gradually adjust to the culture of the United States. The culture shock of the experience continually affects his perception. Culture shock is a feeling of confusion a person often has when leaving a familiar place and moving to an unfamiliar one.
Numerous international students face the surprise of culture shock and subsequent issues, like maintaining F-1 status. The issues related to these students are often not addressed and result in future problems, according to “Crisis Management.”
The book’s list of example issues includes difficulty in cultural adjustment, transportation issues, racial intolerance and discrimination practices.
Rouault was recruited for the OSU track team.
Holidays are normally predictable for most students; they understand what is being celebrated or observed. However, Rouault’s first Thanksgiving was a fresh tradition; he ate with his track teammates. They explained the reasons for the celebration. He commented on the team becoming like family to him.
“People are really helpful, but still very individualistic,” Rouault said. “Teachers are very accessible with office hours, (there are) none in France.”
Another international student, Akiko Miki from Japan, agreed with Rouault.
“People are kind in Stillwater, and it’s not crowded here,” said Miki, biology sophomore.
Statistics for OSU reveal enrollment of international students has increased the past three years. An estimated 525,000 international students are on U.S. campuses, according to “Crisis Management.”
OSU is home to more than 2,100 such students, according to the International Students and Scholars office.
According to an “International Student Data Comparison,” the vast majority of OSU’s international students are allowed to reside in the United States by maintaining their F-1 status.
As an F-1 resident, a student is admitted to the United States for a “duration of status,” according to “Maintaining Your F-1 Status.”
“Crisis Management” states that international students, on average, spend three to five years in the United States. Essentially, students are permitted to stay contingent upon fulfilling requirements.
Of the 2,100 international students on campus, nearly 89 percent are classified under this criterion, according to “Maintaining Your F-1 Status.” Penalties resulting from violation of the requirements include either applying for reinstatement, voluntarily leaving the United States or deportation.
The governmental regulations that must be followed to maintain legal status include maintaining a valid passport and attending the university the INS has authorized an international student to attend.
Also, students must complete an official immigration transfer form, obtain a new I-20 form whenever changing a degree level and not work off-campus unless first authorized by the INS, according to the document.
“Crisis Management” addresses adjustment concerns by encouraging universities with international students to provide regularly scheduled visits with counselors.
The book suggests other services such as a contact list of ministers, mental health professionals and community events should be made available to international students to aid in their transition.
A survey conducted by the “Journal of Educational Sociology” concluded that international students liked having a broad selection of extra-curricular activities and disliked inadequately planned activities for foreign students.
“Crisis Management” states many international students do not have a U.S. driver’s license, which results in the problem of transportation for international students to attend activities.
The book encourages advisers to include sessions on racial intolerance and discrimination as essential elements in orientation programming. Students should be made aware they might become the target of racial slurs and that such remarks are products of ignorance and insensitivity.
Consequently, anger and shock are appropriate responses, but physical actions against such remarks are completely inappropriate, according to the book.
With the increasing attendance of international students each year at OSU, a devoted effort to these issues is particularly important for the students’ well-being and the university’s future.
“Crisis Management” stresses an amplified focus on these issues is needed whenever enrollment of international students increases.
Rouault said he plans to graduate this semester with his marketing degree. However, he intends to stay in the United States and further pursue his education by entering the MBA program.
Miki said she would like to remain in the United States after completing her education. She said one reason is that she has adjusted to women not being subject to as many rules in the United States as they are in Japan.
Erica Hightower, an international business graduate student, recently returned from Pakistan. Her evaluation of culture shock contrasted Miki’s.
Her experience discouraged her. She was not allowed to speak freely and had to gaze downward in the presence of men.
“I had to lose my individualism,” Hightower said. “I couldn’t be myself. I was forced to adhere to the customs of the society.”
There are cultural differences requiring adjusting to for any student in a foreign country. “Crisis Management” stresses that with the help of friends and other students the transition is made easier.
“The anxiety building up for my trip to the United States was not exaggerated,” Rouault said.
Matt Hutson can be reached via
e-mail at news@ocolly.com
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