Cultural Issues

People from different cultures have different views of the world and patterns of behavior. What is the norm in one culture may be seen as unconventional or unhealthy in another culture. For example, eye contact is generally indirect in the Asian culture, where lowering the eyes is a way to demonstrate respect and humility. If a Euro-American is unaware of this cultural behavior, they may automatically assume that the Asian person they are talking with is being rude or impolite, as eye contact is generally direct in Western society. Thus, it is hard to live and adjust to a setting that has different cultural norms.

If you find yourself feeling different or struggling to fit in, it may be helpful to talk with someone about your experience and to learn ways to feel more comfortable in your setting. Here are some other ways that I, as a non-euro-American person, can help you.

• Explore the experience of separating from family
• Learn ways to express yourself without going against your culture’s norms
• Achieve balance between mind, body, and soul
• Maintain self-identity while adapting to the Western culture
• Feel comfortable making a decision about your college major or future career