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Cultural shock, as a concept itself, is a compelling topic. However, the feelings of confusion, uncertainty, intrigue and/or anxiety are some of the first that international students experience after arriving in the United States. Variables ranging from small changes (such as the difference in power outlets) to big ones (such as the difference in languages) make the experience unique to every individual
Hinata Isobe, international student from Japan and sophomore in finance, mentioned that one of her biggest cultural shocks was how people wore outside shoes in their own room as opposed to leaving them at the entrance like in Japan. She also expressed her shock to see how informal Americans were towards their elders and authority figures.
“In Japan, we cannot call our elders by their first name. We use their last names or first names plus mister, miss or other positions of respect,” Isobe said.
Isobe hinted at how difficult it is for her – even now – to call professors by their names and usually just addresses them as a professor or teacher. She then further elaborates her take on the informality of Americans.
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