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Show TltuRsdAy, April 26, 19M ChnoMdc IhAematlonal shidenfts encoymteir special Editor's Note: In the first of a series, the Chronicle looks at the cultural differences and problems experienced by students from India, Iran and China who attend the University of Utah. Tomorrow, the Chronicle will look at students from Malaysia, Taiwan, Italy and Sweden. two-pa- rt By Sharon Dbckert Chronicle staff writer International students who attend the University of Utah have to make cultural adjustments, but they also have much to teach about their own cultures. Shaili Jain, president of the International Students Association, said students should appreciate the subtle differences between cultures and not label groups of people as "foreigners." "If they are interested in something going on in another part of the world, they should go talk to a student from A he iisiiiiiiiiiii " iiiiiif "pi tssmM ' ' Shaili Jain, a University of Utah student from India and president of the International Student Association, said ISA tries to unify international students. that country," Jain said. Most international students feel U. students have open minds when it comes to dealing with foreign students. Arvind Singh, a student from India, said he came to Utah during his senior year of high school. He said college students, especially juniors and seniors, seem to have an open mind about other cultures. Although many people have open minds, living with two competing societies can be a problem, he said. "The hardest thing is that your family has a different set of moral and ethical values than the place you came to," he said. "You want to do things to fit into this society, but it conflicts with your parents' society." Singh said his parents are practicing Hindus. But they never forced their children to do anything as far a religion was concerned, so coming to the United States did not change his religious beliefs. Like many other international students, Singh wants to return home sometime after graduation. 'Tou miss home and its atmosphere," he said. "I miss my family and the language. There's no substitute for home." But not all international students will be welcomed home with open arms. Some students from countries like Iran do not feel free to go home. "If I go back, they will expect me to act as a follower of Ayatollah Khomeini," Behzad Shirzad, an Iranian student, said. Shirzad first came to the United States as a high school foreign exchange student. He returned to Iran and served two years in the army before coming to the U. Unlike many other foreign students, Shirzad is not supported by a government scholarship. "The Iranian government will not give permission to come to the United States to study. If they do, you first have to prove you are one of them politically and religiously," he said. Students who support the ayatollah, however, are often given government scholarships to study abroad, he said. In addition to political differences, Shirzad said there are many cultural differences between Iran and the United States. "In Iran, a majority of people don't keep pets, especially dogs," he said. The culture dictates that dogs are not clean and Moslems should at least not let the dog in to live with them in the house, he said. International students also find it difficult to adjust to American food. Xiande Zhao, president of the Chinese Students ptrobDemros 'I Although University of Utah student Behzad Shirzad came to the United States from Iran 10 years ago, he still has a difficult time adjusting to some American customs. Scholar and Friendship Association, said he really didn't like hamburgers and pizza when he first tried them. Many Chinese students have solved the problem by living off campus and cooking for themselves. Zhao said he was also surprised by the freedoms Americans enjoy. "It is now changing, but originally when I was in China, it was impossible to stand up and question leaders," he said. "People should have the right to question their leaders and hold them responsible for what they are doing," he said. He also hopes China, the United States and other countries around the world will come to a better mutual understanding as international students communicate and share their cultures. a m some Need bright ideas? think kinko's street 200 university 583-348- X . In w a VMS i 0 - J' i. 9 nu I", f am imm ,rt kv-- ' Cc Pqt Tkacc Open 24 Hours 200 University St. 583-348- 0 |
