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Published: September 30th 2007
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Flatmates at Stumble Inn
Erin, Me, Henry, Danlin and Abbey at a pub on campus The most interesting part of being here so far is the international culture I've been experiencing. My flat has 7 people so far, and there are only 2 Americans. The rest are from various parts of Asia - Hong Kong, China, South Korea, and India. They are all 3 year students here (the equivalent of our 4 years) so they are also accustomed to British culture. The campus is also much more diverse than I'm used to. There are people from all over the world who study here. Just interacting with people from different backgrounds is an education in itself.
The other night we ate dinner with our flatmates (they ordered Domino's pizza because that is a part of American culture they like here) and talked about life in America versus life in the UK. They are very interested to learn about the differences and how school is different here as well as the people. After dinner, we celebrated the festival of the moon because it was a full moon. They said in China they believe there is another world in the moon and everyone fantasizes about what it is like there. I told them about the book I used
to read when I was younger called the Moon Lady which took place in China on the festival of the full moon and Danlin said that was a very common story. We ate two kinds of moon cake - one has a "surprise" in the middle (an egg yolk) and the other is bigger and sweeter. Some of the mooncakes were bought here but one of our flatmates made them at home in China with her mom. She brought one for every festival of the moon for us to share after dinner.
We have been going out every night since it's "Fresher's week" (the orientation week for freshman before classes start). Sometimes we go out with Danlin and Henry, our Chinese flatmates. We had the chance to meet their British friends as well as their other friends from Asia. They are very curious to know about American culture and how it differents from British culture and we are anxious to learn more about British culture. I have heard from several people that they think Americans are much more independent than Europeans. I find this surprising, because it seems that a lot of Americans are still dependent on their parents.
Erin, Hamza and Sarah
Hamza is Sarah's flatmate from Pakistan The school system is also much different here. Students attend high school until the age of 16. Then they go to college for 2 years. After that they go to Uni, our equivalent of college, for 3 years. Often between college and uni, people will take a gap year. A lot of freshman are already 20 by the time they start uni where as I was still 17 when I started college. People here seem a lot more mature than at home, and the age difference could be the reason why. Our flatmates can't believe that we think British boys are so much nicer than Americans! We've actually found the other study abroad students to be rather cold and not very willing to make friends with other Americans. I've been hanging out with my friends from Muhlenberg, my flatmate from Boston and a new friend from Ohio but other than that we've been spending a lot of time with international students which has really been a great experience.
The other night, someone asked if America was like what they see in the movies (which obviously it isn't usually). Abbey, from Shanghai, wanted to know if school was like the
movie "Mean Girls". I told her that although most life isn't like the movies, that is one example of a movie that is close to reality (though a little extreme). She couldn't believe that people would be that cliquey in high school and girls could be so mean to other girls. In England everyone socializes with everyone else so she found it shocking that people would be so exclusive. Someone else (from England) told me that she'd love to go to America so she could go to New York City because it looks fabulous on Sex & the City. Most people here that have been to New York city find it amazing and for those that haven't been said they can't wait to go. Another girl from Thailand said she would love to visit America because she has heard so much about it. Unfortunately she is having trouble getting a visa. I think you can only visit the country for a few weeks and she would like to stay longer and there is also an extensive process to acquire a visa.
People are also shocked by how big America is. They can't believe that it would take a few hours on a plane to go from New York to Florida and even longer to get to the west coast. A lot of people that have traveled to the States have been to either New York, Florida or California. I didn't think people would think New Jersey was the most exciting part of the US, but everyone relates it to either Newark airport or the Sopranos (which is VERY popular here). I guess the TV show is NJ's claim to fame overseas!
I always find it interesting to see people's perspectives of America/Americans. Someone asked me the other day if all Americans hate Muslims. He said when he sees the news, America is shown as being entirely Catholic, scared of Muslims and "gangsters". Obviously living in America, I know it is a very diverse place with a variety of political and religious views. I never knew that is how we were perceived in other parts of the world. I am so glad I am able to interact with people from other countries so I have a chance to break through stereotypes I may have based on the media at home.
The students here also seem much more cultured than those at home. Living in Europe they have the chance to travel to different countries while they're young since everything is relatively close around here. They also seem to be more informed about events throughout the entire world, not just within their own country. Living in America, it seems like we are presented mostly with domestic news and don't hear much about what is going on in the rest of the world. Here, everyone knows about American news and politics. In fact, I met someone the other night who has studied American politics and seems to know more than some American citizens would know about their own country. Although politics is a dangerous discussion to get into, the students here seem very eager to talk about politics and are also very well informed. It certainly offers a different perspective than what I am used to at home. I think my politics classes here will be fascinating and definitely valuable experience for my major. Even though I haven't even started classes yet, I feel like I am learning so much already!
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Steph S.
non-member comment
I should be studying...
I have an exam in less than two hours, but reading about your experiences is WAY more interesting! :) I will be keeping up with your blog (so KEEP the link in your profile). You have a really good balance of entertainment and academic thought. I think Gambino would be proud. I am SO super jealous of you right now, but am trying to contain it. HAVE FUN, discover yourself, and explore the world! xo