Stereotypes

Every culture has stereotypes of other cultures. One must understand that as the foreigner in someone else's country is unavoidable to run into stereotypes held by athat particular country for people of your culture. Below is a list of some of the stereotypes that Americans have of international students so they do not catch you by surprise upon arrival in the U.S:

• International students eat weird food.
• Female international students do not shave.
• International students are rude; they do not look at me in the eye when they talk to me.
• All international students come from rural areas and have no access to technology.
• International students do not comprehend English, so I must speak louder when talking to them. 

*Note: These are just some of the stereotypes that you may come accross. Do not take it personal though, this page is only to give you the heads up so you are prepared and know what to expect from American stereotypes.

You should be prepared to be asked questions regarding your lifestyle.  Not all Americans are aware of various cultures, and they may hold specific stereotypes based on where you come from.  Below is a list of goofy questions that our International Students have been asked.

• Do you have computers in your country?
• Do you have electricity?
• Do you use cell phones?
• Do you own a pet camel?
• Do you own a pet giraffe?
• Do you always carry things on your head?
• Do you wear clothes when you are at home?
• Do you know karate?
• Are there fast food restaurants in your country?
• Have you eaten at Buckingham Palace?
• Have you ridden an elephant?