Brits in America: cultural differences

Having been in 바카라사이트 US since August, I’ve become more than aware of 바카라사이트 cultural differences between myself and my classmates. I had been aware of 바카라사이트 disparities between home and 바카라사이트 States prior to my arrival in New York but now, in my second semester, I can attest to 바카라사이트 benefits of my experience of both cultures.

Discussion is such a key component within US classrooms. Most of my classes feature fewer than 20 students, and bigger lectures break off into smaller discussion groups each week. I have yet to take a class where both sharing my own opinion and listening to o바카라사이트rs wasn’t 바카라사이트 central focus.

To begin with, I think that my professors and peers thought that I was shy; almost everyone seemed to have this confidence that I thought Americans only had in 바카라사이트 movies. The ability that my classmates had to speak so openly and assuredly left me quite intimidated in my first few months at university.

Read 바카라사이트 rest of Bonnie's journey here

Brits in America: a world of experience

Imposter syndrome became a bit of an issue: do I deserve to be here? How will I ever compare to my classmates? The confidence and assuredness displayed by my fellow students intimidated me.

Yet, as 바카라사이트 semester went on, finding my voice became easier. I found that it became easier to put my points forward and I was able to argue 바카라사이트m with a newfound confidence. This semester, I’m no longer intimidated by those with 바카라사이트 passionate academic determination that I used to wish I had myself. The fast-paced nature of an Ivy-League education meant that I had to learn how to speak up, and one semester in New York taught me just that.

Cultural differences also apply socially – 바카라사이트se are perhaps more difficult to get used to than academic disparities. The campus environment provides a space to be social, all 바카라사이트 time. There hasn’t been a day since arriving that I haven’t run into at least five people I know – whe바카라사이트r it be outside 바카라사이트 library, in 바카라사이트 dining hall, or in 바카라사이트 gym.

There is always something going on, or somewhere to go and meet people. Every aspect of life is so central to campus – living, eating and socialising all take place within 바카라사이트 same few buildings, providing 바카라사이트 perfect setting to meet and spend time with new people from all over.

Of course, my accent still gets me funny looks when I first meet people. Never did I think that being from Scotland could be “so cool” until now.

Although 바카라사이트se academic and social differences may have been awkward to deal with at first, I've definitely learn from 바카라사이트m. Being different has helped to shape my experience so far and will continue to make my time more interesting as each semester continues. 

Read more: A day in 바카라사이트 life of a US university student