As people who drop everything to embark on an educational journey in an entirely different country, or even continent, it can be expected for international students to have mixed feelings on the American culture. While many students enjoy being in the United States, and dealing with Americans as a whole, some others may not share those thoughts.

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According to a study by the Institute of International Education, there are approximately 975,000 international students studying at U.S. colleges and universities. While Behrend has less than 100 foreign students, their feelings and desire for assimilation are very real. It is practically a necessity for these students to go out of their way to improve their English and learn about the American perspective.

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Out of the several students who shared their experiences, the overwhelming consensus relayed that they admire the achievements of the U.S. and strength of Americans.

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Originally from China, Zhangtao Chen is a second year finance major. He stated, “I love America for its high level for management, service, and first rate education,” Chen said. Nodding his head up and down with satisfaction, he added, “That's what I was expecting when coming to the US. As a finance major, the economic education in the U.S. offers a very different perspective than what you learn in China.”

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Finance is taught quite differently in China. There, the western views of free markets and capitalism are not encouraged. Rather, the communist economic system are pushed in the schools.

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Zeren Yao, also from China, is another sophomore international student studying marketing and management. He admires America for it being a “leader of innovation and unlimited supply of scientific and business talents.” Yao says that he is often impressed with the American personality, saying, “People here are kind, funny, and humanistic.”

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In the United States, citizens are encouraged to stand out as leaders. The culture of most foreign countries, including China, is much more conservative. Teamwork and group thought is more more important than individualism. America is on the other end of this spectrum.  

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International students had some advice for Americans in regards to what they wish they could be more considerate of. Zhendong Xiao, sophomore nuclear engineering major of China said, “What is important to me is my culture. I need not that Americans understand it, but that they respect it.” Other international students had similar sentiments saying that they feel that they are looked at differently as the “foreign kids.”

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American culture is often viewed as very strong and students bond with the cultures they grow up with. The amount of foreign students, and their cultures, can be a shock to incoming American freshman. High schools could work together to actively work to prepare future college students of the cultural changes and how their attitude can impact other lives, just as incoming international students learn.

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Hundreds of thousands of international students are enjoying the benefits of American society and the education system. They are working hard to assimilate with their new peers. The overwhelming views from them are positive regarding the U.S. At the same time, they are often discouraged by lack of understanding from many of their peers. As America continues to be the world’s “melting pot,” American students could easily gain a better understanding of new cultures and customs.