Video Reflection 1

1) The students liked the atmosphere. Studying in the US gave them a chance to know American culture better. They were able to have a close contact with the American people. By every passing day they learned something new from the people that live here. As a result they gained experience. Additionally the university offered many opportunities to practice. It helped them to participate in the lessons actively.  

2) In Linxi’s home country it was impossible for her to get in this major programme. Because it required a very high score. So Linxi decided to go to US for education. As for Krishna she thinks that American education system is a very different system. It is based on creativity and team work which she personally really likes to do. It is the main reason for her to come to America. It is a kind of environment that she prefers. She wants to get her degree here.

3) There are some differences those students observe between their home countries and the USA both in their educational life and daily life. For example in Japan, students have to choose a major and once they enter into college they can’t change their major. ‘In Netherland the educational system is very strict’, Krishna says. They give students books and planning. Then they say that this is it. In American educational system students have a little bit more flexibility. They can do much more things besides studying for their degree. When it comes to daily life Linxi observed that American people are used to tumble dryers. But in China they don’t use them. They just hang clothes outside. Arata likes American people’s personality. He thinks that they are outgoing and sociable. In US you need to have a good communication. But in Japan they emphasize on indirect communication. They have to read people’s minds. In America communication is much easier.

4) The money they spend for their education depends on which department they study. It includes airplane fees, housing and meals. The total amount is around 35 thousand dollars. It includes boarding, room and all the fees they have to pay basically. They have to pay for their education. And they find the price reasonable.

5) Linxi says she is surprised by the facts that even if it is freezing outside some people wear shorts in winter. Arata found some difference in the size of chips and the drinks. And he thinks that American people do not get embarrassed much. They are confused by those facts.

6) They all experienced some form of culture shock. It is a natural thing. It refers to the anxiety and feelings of surprise, disorientation when someone is confronted by unknown cultural or social environment such as a foreign country. It causes difficulty in knowing what is appropriate or not.

If I were to go US for my education it would be a good opportunity for me. I would get a chance to know their culture. Every day I would be talking to the native speakers of English and I could improve my speaking ability. I like meeting with foreign people since every one of them can teach me something that I don’t know. Apart from experience it gives us studying at US can give different job opportunities to us. After graduation we can work at international institutes, maybe. But it is not such an easy process, though. Getting used to a community that you hardly know is quite hard. More or less a student will have similar experiences to the ones we saw in the video.