Going to America for the Work and Travel program allows me to meet so many new people. I get to talk to them about their point of view of exchange students who come to America. As I build close relationships with some of my friends in my work place, I got to get the opportunity to ask them some questions about how they truly feel about exchange students. They also gave some suggestions which are really useful for us.
Thomas
What are your feelings when you first see exchange students coming to the US?
“I feel happy to meet the new exchange students because it gives us both a chance to build a friendship while working together at the same time. It’s always nice to meet someone from different culture so I always look at it as a way to learn more about the person and things they like.”
What do you think the problems they face and how to solve it?
“Some of them might face the language problems, understanding other people and not getting used to the American cultures. They might have to get into American cultures from many ways like watching some American shows or hangout with American friends. These will boost your language skills up and get to have a life long friendship with American people.”
Shenetha
What are your feelings when you first see exchange students coming to US?
“I have no feeling. I feel good for you guys to come to have a new experiences in the US to come to have new experience in the US.”
What do you think the problems they face and how to solve it?
“A lot of discrimination. Be honestly, I don’t know how to solve that. I just want to suggest that don’t worry because people have different thought. Just do what ever you come here for. Be yourself.”
Miranda
What are your feelings when you first see exchange students coming to US?
“ It’s exciting because I can make life long friends and I get to help them experience a new culture.”
What do you think the problems they face and how to solve it?
“I think they will face being homesick and being nervous about new culture but as long as they stay motivated and make friends they will be able to have a good time. When they make friends they can view being away from home as a summer vacation not just a working program. Having friends will make it easier not to miss home.”
Joseph
What are your feelings when you first see exchange students coming to US?
“I’m scared and I’m happy because I don’t know what to expect but you guys are very good workers and it makes me happy to see how ready to learn you are. You are all great.”
What do you think the problems they face and how to solve it?
"Their accent might be hard for them to communicate with other native people. Just being here practicing it will make them getting better in communication."
Brian
What are your feelings when you first see exchange students coming to US?
"I feel normal. I feel like you guys are my friends. We all are not different."
What do you think the problems they face and how to solve it?
"The only thing I can think of is just the language barrier when some of you don’t understand the English very clearly. I think time will help them to improve the English skills. Spending time with native people and surrounding with American culture is the best way to solve it."
These are some point of views from my co-worker friends. I am really appreciate to know that most of them are really have a warm welcome and feel really excited of exchange students like us. Big thanks for their support.