I don't think I have ever had to clap so much in my life! International orientation began yesterday and between various people being introduced (as well as the ISO (International Student Orientation) leaders performing a dance on the stage!) people were applauding with every two seconds and us Brits were just not used to that level of enthusiasm! It is all about the show in America. The spectacle and the 'razzle dazzle'.
'Smiles all round' refers to the helpers at the orientation who were extremely active and hyper although not all together that helpful. The orientation was geared mainly towards the 90% majority of Asian students who are attending the university and one presenter even went as far as demonstrating how to shake an American's hand before demonstrating more friendly greetings (ie. elaborate hand shakes and the brother hug).
So the presentations which we had to endure explained all the usual stuff: 'try and make friends', 'balance work and a social life', 'do not plagiarise', but the one thing the orientation failed to explain was how moving into halls early would be mission impossible! Thankfully my friends managed to move into their halls without a hitch but my experience was an entirely different story. After gathering keys from the building around the corner I headed to my halls. We have ID cards (campus cards) which allow me access into my halls, however mine would not work and so after a trip back around the corner I was told that I would have to go back on campus (I should at this point say that I live two blocks away from campus or in the equivalent of 'the village' for those with UEA knowledge although maybe the walk is a little further) because my card could not be activated for hall access. Great.... So after a 40 minute round trip I am back with a new card, which was activated but may take 'up to an hour' to begin working. I am still waiting for the thing to work 6 hours later! Thankfully someone was on hand to let me into the building so I am not typing this on the streets of Oregon! Everybody who had to use a card has the same problem but it is so frustrating having to ask to be let into the place where you live every time you want to get in!
Once I had collected my keys earlier in the day I also asked about the bedding pack which I had pre-ordered before leaving the UK from a link which the university provided. I was told that the bedding packs would be arriving from 2pm that day but of course when I went back my pack had not arrived and as the cheery woman behind the desk simply said 'we will e-mail you when your pack arrives' I genuinely believed she had no thoughts on what I would sleep on in the mean time. Thankfully they did provide me with emergency sheets but still the lack of sympathy from the welcome staff was quite surprising.
I know this is such a little thing and I think as a British person I do get stressed out very easily, but the thing that really ticked me off was that the American student volunteers spoke to me like I was an international. I asked reasonable questions and yet they looked at me as if they didn't understand what I was saying. It felt, for a moment, like my own language had been stolen from me and I was no longer capable of simple communication. I now have sympathy for the internationals who did not speak English as a first language (which included my roommate who I helped to check-in). There was an undeniable sense of patronisation from these girls who were speaking the language which came from my country!!
Rant Over!! I didn't mean to use this blog as an outlet for feelings but after today I had to include it as I just felt so misunderstood. Aside from that things are moving pretty smoothly. I have met a few lovely international students and it is nice to be settled into my room now with Marrissa, my roommate.
Hopefully, things will perk up once the American students arrive but that isn't for another week. It seems such a late start considering that most American Universities are in their second week of term now! I really am having a good time, honestly, but I guess the culture shock is beginning to sink in and I have even discovered a surprising communication barrier despite speaking the same language. The weather is so nice at the minute too to say we are in a state where it rains for 8 months of the year. Better make the most of it!
Have a great day! (One of the presenters today told use to keep laughing when the stress levels begin to rise....well it is working for the moment)
Sarah x
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