By Seungkyung Baek  |Staff Writer|

Most international students go through culture shock because of the different languages and customs.

Students notice an environmental difference between their home countries and America.

“I was shocked because some American students refer to their professors by their name, whereas Korean students do not,” said student from South Korea Sungwon Pae.

Certain students felt that there is a clear difference between the speed in lifestyle in their home country compared to America.

“Koreans are in a rush all the time, but in Cali people have a laid-back attitude to life. American students communicate even with strangers, and participate more in class than people do in Korea,” said student Taeyoung Kim.

Other students explained that there is a distinct difference of atmosphere in the classroom in terms of education.

“Most Korean students don’t participate in a class by asking questions or presenting their opinions because of one way-teaching, whereas American students talk about their opinions in the class freely,” said student Dahyeon You.

“The United States consists of different ethnicities so there are many cultures in this society. I like it,” continued Dahyeon You.

A Japanese professor told the Coyote Chronicle about the difference in class atmosphere between Japanese and American.

“As for the classroom atmosphere, the style in Japan is more lecture style whereas the style in the U.S. is more likely interactive,” said professor, Masako Nunn, from World Language department. (double check)

One Chinese exchange student explained the difference assignment and fashion style.

“In America, students may have more time and less homework. However, many Chinese students have lots of homework and take more time to finish,” said exchange student from China, Mengting Guo.

“Americans wear casual clothes when they go to school. Some of them wear slippers in the classroom, but it is banned in China,” continued Mengting Guo.

Another student talked about the manner in which students drive their cars .

“American car drivers are very polite. They must wait for pedestrians, but Chinese don’t wait for pedestrians first,” said exchange student from China, Siyi Li.

Professor Mihaela Popescu, who is from Eastern Europe describes some of the differences between America and her home country of Romania.

“How are you is not a question. In Romania, “How are you?” is a genuine invitation to tell about your life and problems. American look at you funny if you start sharing,” said Popescu.

A student from Quebec, Canada explained how different America is in terms of college assignments and greetings.

“My classes are difficult and independent in our work. The teachers don’t help in Quebec. When we meet someone we kiss on the cheeks in Quebec, but Americans hug each other,” said Nathalie Robert, exchange student from Quebec.

Many international students and international professors expressed their different views as living in America, but what they all have in common is the appreciation of the new experience and diversity.