One of the greatest things about college is getting to meet lots of new and interesting people whether they are an eccentric professor or larger than life roommates. Of the many types of people, the most fascinating are the international students.
As a student and athlete at USF, I have had the privilege to meet and befriend people from more than 12 different countries. Coming from a home where virtually everyone I knew was American born and raised barring the odd immigrant, it was quite the change. At first, it was all rather awkward getting to know some of them, a lot of forced smiles and clueless head nods as we tried to figure each other out. Eventually, through patience and perseverance, I managed to make a connection and with a little time a friendship. Over time I’ve noticed there are many benefits to knowing and befriending people from outside your country.
The first and most obvious of these benefits is broadening your horizons. I know that sounds obvious and cliché but bear with me. Spending prolonged periods of time around anyone is bound to make you more knowledgeable about them but there’s an extra layer for internationals as you pick up bits and pieces about their home country. Now, this broadening of horizons doesn’t have to be earth-shattering and make you question everything you ever believed in. More often than not it simply makes you more aware of the fact that the world is much bigger and far more complex place than you previously thought.
Related to this there is also the fact that knowing people from another country helps make you more cosmopolitan as a person. Over time, you pick up various expressions and even a few habits from your friends that provides an air of greater sophistication. In addition, you become much more informed about other places and peoples and can make more informed judgments about the world based on that information.
Another great thing is the pride it gives you as an American. There is a certain satisfaction at watching your international friend's gape and awe at things you take for granted as part of your country even if you are gaping alongside them whether it’s a stunning landscape or quirky tourist spot. It’s an utterly stupid and irrational pride, but pride nonetheless.
However, while there are many positives to knowing a bunch of internationals there are also a few downsides. The language barrier can be a real problem in trying to communicate as you try and get a point across or figure out what your friend is trying to say. Even if they get better at speaking English some things still have trouble getting through which can lead to several awkward minutes of charades and guess the word. This problem comes up even with friends from the English speaking countries as different slang and names for things can cause a fair amount of confusion in casual conversation.
The other great problem is the different cultural touchstones you each use. Now, by touchstones, I don’t mean things like different religions or customs but smaller more mundane things in pop culture. It’s hard to make a joke or a witty observation when half the people you are making it to don’t get the reference in the first place.
Communication difficulties aside it is truly rewarding to have a circle of friends that spans not only my country but the globe. I only hope that the friendships I have made will be long and fruitful and that I shall make many more.
