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Mondav. August 19. 1996
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
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Cultures need not clash
International students adjust to life in America but ask for understanding
By Nicholas C. Charalambous
Kansas staff writer
International students' first weeks at the University of Kansas are filled with enthusiasm, hope and wonder, if they overcome initial cultural misunderstandings.
Mukesh Dhamala, Biratnagar, Nepal, doctoral student, encounters difficulties, from understanding native speakers and the expressions they use, to figuring out how to use a coin-operated vending machine or using a phone card for a call home.
; Gerald Harris, director of international student services, said that most students adjust well, but that American students should be sensitive to challenges international students face.
"International students have the same
Pia Heinonen, Helsinki, Finland, sophomore, who led a panel discussion about culture shock during international student orientation, said most students are concerned about how Americans perceive them.
expectations as Americans: to be academically successful and socially accepted," Harris said. "Every time someone is belittled because of where they come from, the way they speak or dress, the tendency is for them to shorten their time of stay."
The video Coldwater, shown during the session, depicted situations where an awareness of cultural differences was necessary. For example, an African student was passed over in line at Burger King because he couldn't understand the server's question. "for here or to go?"
He got his hamburger, but only after another customer explained what the server meant.
"Americans often don't understand the needs of foreign students unless you point them out," Heinonen said.
She advises Americans to:
Be patient, speak slowly and clearly. Avoid complex expressions and idioms. If confusion
persists, be prepared to paraphrase or write
things down.
Be aware that body language is not universal. Indian students, for example, sometimes shake their head rather than nod for affirmation. Also, students from some other cultures use fewer verbal cues to show they follow what's being said.
Ask students directly if they would like to go out, rather than ask "What are you doing this weekend?" In other countries it's not customary to invite yourself.
Cultural problems are worsened by Americans who are ignorant of geography and other cultures, Heinonen said. For example, she was asked whether there were showers in Finland. But international students should avoid negative assumptions, be patient, and be ready to tell Americans about their home countries, she said.
Kristin George, Vienna, Va., senior, spent an exchange year in Tier, Germany, from fall 1994 through summer 1995. Her advice to international students is simple.
"If you want a full experience, you need to get to know Americans," she said.
American pie still good enough to eat
Foreign students flock to KU to learn in rewarding way
By Nicholas C. Charalambous
Kansan staff writer
The world landed on the University of Kansas' doorstep last weekend as international students from countries spanning six continents came to claim their piece of the American dream—large or small.
For Kok-Siong Lim, it's the convenience of using a microwave, to cook rice.
"You don't need to wash the pot and hang it in the sun to dry," said Lim, a Tanjong Sepat, Malaysia, graduate student.
Michalis Michael, Episkopi, Cyprus, graduate student, said the United States is the land of everything.
"The American dream is out there, I don't care what anybody says," he said.
Last week, 180 new students from
37 countries arrived for a five-day orientation, said Gerald Harris, director of international student services. He estimated that 100 more will enroll for the beginning of the fall semester. The highest proportion of international students will come from the Far East and South Asia, he said, reflecting that region's economic strength.
Almost all students agreed that education was the key to attaining their goals. Mukesh Dhamala, Biratnagar, Nepal, doctoral student said the University gives him the opportunity to study the medical applications of physics, such as computer imaging of the human body. Up to now, his access to computer technology has been limited, but he is determined that it won't stop him from succeeding.
"I'm very confident I will keep up with other students," he said.
Tugce Sarikus, Istanbul, Turkey, freshman, said that the University was her big chance to get a job when she returned to Turkey, where even graduates have difficulties finding work.
"The American dream is out there.I don't care what anybody says."
"Whenever people ask me where
Michaels Michael
Episkopi, Cyprus, graduate student
Where are foreign students from?
I'm studying, and I say, "U.S.", they just say 'Wow,' or they don't believe me," she said. "They wish they could study here."
But Sarikus also came to the United States to improve her English and to meet people from different races and cultures, she said.
However, it will take some getting used to.
An estimated 300 international students will enroll for the fall semester. Below is a breakdown by world region of international students enrolled in Spring 1996.
Africa ...43
Australia ...28
Central America ...72
Eastern Europe .47
Western Europe ... 229
Far East ... 603
Middle East ...112
South America ...135
Total ... 1,682
South Asia ...413
Sea World boat flies into crowd injuring 23 people
The Associated Press
AURORA, Ohio — Many of those who crowded into the grandstand for the water ski show on Geauga Lake at first wondered if what they were seeing was part of the stunt.
Then they heard screams and saw blood.
A red speedboat that was supposed to splash the audience hit a guardrail Saturday and soared into the capacity crowd of 4,000 in the grandstands at Sea World of Ohio, injuring 23 people.
Authorities from Sea World and the Ohio Division of Watercraft examined the boat and spectators' videotape. The state agency concluded last night that the accident was caused by mechanical failure.
Ski shows at four Sea World theme parks run by the Busch Entertainment Corp. were canceled Sunday, although other attractions remained open.
The watercraft division didn't specify the mechanical failure. An agency representative, Dennis Evans, said further details would be released when available.
"It looked to me like someone lost control, even though at first I thought it was a stunt. Then people started screaming, and I was stunned," said Don Glassmire, 44, of Coudensport, Pa.
We are reviewing all of our safety procedures at the parks in Anurora, 22 miles southeast of
Cleveland, and in San Diego, San Antonio and Orlando, Fla., Sea World representative Fred Jacobs said.
It was the first major accident at the Ohio park in 27 years, and the first in 20 years of water-ski shows, said Ted Molter, another park representative.
In the 35-minute Baywatch water ski show, an actor who appears to be operating the boat leaps from it to perform a rescue. The boat — actually piloted by a driver hidden from view — is supposed to veer toward the stands and splash the crowd before speeding out into the lake.
Instead, the boat hit the guardrail in front of the grandstand.
John Clark was sitting about 12 feet from where the boat slammed into the bleachers.
"When it landed, my only thought was that the thing is on top of people and that we need to do something." Clark said.
He joined about 15 people, including actors from the Baywatch water ski show, who rushed to lift the 18-foot inboard motorboat off the trapped people.
Most of the injured got hospital treatment for cuts and bruises; five remained hospitalized.
The most seriously hurt, Jeff Willis, 36, suffered a head injury and was listed in critical condition at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Cleveland, nursing administrator Gerri Estok said.
ON CAMPUS
KU Champions Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the parlors in the Kansas Union. For more information, call Erik Lindsay at 841-4585.
KU Meditation Club will meet at 4 p.m. Thursday at the Daisy Hill Room in the Burge Union. For more information, call Beng Beh at 864-5513.
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