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International Student Ethnography

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There is a rapid growth of international students attending college in the United States. According to the international Student Services, more than 2200 international students from more than 100 countries study at the University of Kansas (iss.ku.edu). With programs like International House and a much improved orientation process, it has become easier for international students to adapt to American culture and help integrate them into the KU community. There are still drawbacks that may impede the progress of international students; even with these services being provided by the school it is still much more difficult for International students to succeed compared to an American student. The main focus of this ethnography will be to discuss …show more content…
Your friends shape the person you are; they influence your decisions and your outlook on life. A huge part of college life is the social aspect, and for international students integrating socially can be a hurdle. It is human nature to want to be around people that are similar to you, whether in looks or ideals, but what is one to do if thrown in a pool of people who are unlike them? It can be a challenge because you are expecting American students to approach you, but in many cases the international students have to be the ones who do the approaching. Becoming involved on campus can be a great avenue to meet new people in an organized and efficient way. Living in the dorms can always be a fantastic way to meet new people that you may not have noticed otherwise. Although making new friends is a great, Arnold says he makes time to stay in touch with friends whether it is via Facebook or …show more content…
But what is an African student to do if he or she does not enjoy hotdogs or burgers? Included in your living expenses for the dorms is a meal plan in which you can get upwards to 1000 meals per week depending on which meal plan you choose to acquire. The meal plans, though expense, does not include food many of these African students are accustomed to eating. I observed my research group in Mrs. E’s a cafeteria located in between Lewis Hall and Hashinger Hall. Mrs. E’s is the top food option for students on Daisy Hall, and many athletes enjoy eating there as well. While observing my research group I overheard students talking about ways they could find transportation to eat food they would actually enjoy. They were fed up with the lack of variety included in the buffet style restaurant that is Mrs. E’s. The African students that I observed that were eating indulged in meals like spaghetti, salad, and pizza. Just the typical food you would expect a college student to eat on a regular basis. I also observed that the students were in business casual attire, which includes a button up and pants. Lastly, I observed that almost all the African students were males; I then acquired the notion that maybe females are still not given the same opportunities as men in Africa. We American’s do not see women get discriminated as often these but we forget that in

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