Welcoming Internationality in a SoCal World

College is fast paced enough without being ensconced in the demanding culture of Southern California. Being an international student in the SoCal culture can be a confusing and even daunting experience, but international students at Biola feel that they are able to adjust a Californian way of life.

“The transition can be hard because of differences with an accent and the inability to understand American concepts right away,” said freshman Malu Martins.

Some international students are able to adjust to their surrounding academic environment a little quicker than others can, “It’s easier for me to adjust here than others I think,” said sophomore Elizabeth Teo.

Even though there is difficulty in trying to relate to other students in an “American” way, Biola offers international students a welcoming atmosphere wherein they can feel accepted and not ostracized for their different worldviews, “Coming to Biola, people are really open and friendly and makes me feel like I fit in,” said Martins.

Freshman Tim Richardson, a British-Chinese international student told our reporters “I feel left out when conversation [is] based on things in America,” but to cope, “I hang out with friendly dorm people and go to events.”

All this to say that despite the insane rapidity of American culture, international students in the Biola community feel welcomed and encouraged to join in because of the hospitable nature of students and faculty.

Links:
China is sending more students to the U.S.
More U.S. students going abroad and vice versa
U.S. losing international students
International Student Blog
Statistics on international students studying in the U.S.