My Story as International Student
From 2004 – 2005, I was full-time foreign student in one University in Canada.
Not only me came from Asia but also several others student. Actually we came from 23 countries and regions with different cultures and customs. Although from different parts of the world, we have similar dreams, hopes, and concerns. In my first day at school I was shock because that was my first experience far away from my home country. I kept telling my self, what I was doing here ? Then, what really happen was beyond all of my dreams. There was nothing I was thinking except regret.
After dealing with the challenges of learning a new environment, I was ready for more challenges because I knew it was only beginning. I spent all my time focus on school learning not only Canadian culture but also the cultures of many nations that are presented in Canada. One thing that I almost forgot that I was going to meet people of various colors. When I was in Indonesia we were all “Asian” , light brown skin and black hair. So, being a part of this diverse was another interesting experience. Living with Canadian family brought great benefits. I can move faster than my friend to adjust with new environment. Within three weeks I can eat, sleep and laugh. I felt all situations were exciting, a thrill, and a craving.
But when I look back, I can tell that there were obstacles, culture language adjustment, it was very important part that I need to know both cultural facts and cultural perspective in purposes of maintain relationships.
One thing that I never forgot, I always felt loneliness from time to time. It was really hard to overcome as much as I tried. I used most of my time to study, working on my homework or working group project. Another thing I tried was participating sort of extra-curricular activities. (after school activities). Basically, I had plan that these activities can support me meet more friends in order to encourage me practice my English. Later, I increased a mission to make friends that I could be more understand my own perspective and others like they could teach me more about Canada, showed me around city, shared and discussed my own culture and American culture. But the fact was only international student were interested and making friends with me. Beyond of frustration and loneliness, I was surrender and deal with the international students which were not what I had basically wanted because we all had a similar problem with the language culture. Mixed with international student brought great benefits, opened my point of view others culture and perspectives.
