International Students: Making American Friends At University

International students in the US often struggle to make friends with their American peers. A study by Elisabeth Gareis, an associate professor of communication studies at Baruch College, found that more than one in three foreign students have no close American friends. The study also found that students from China and East Asia reported fewer friendships and greater dissatisfaction than other international students.

A survey by Voice of America found that 50% of international students reported relating to Americans as well as or better than international students, while only 45% of American students said they tried to get to know their international classmates.

Cultural differences, language barriers, and a lack of effort on both sides are some of the reasons why international students struggle to make American friends at university.

International students may struggle to make American friends due to language barriers

For example, an international student may be able to comfortably converse in a professional setting (needing little slang or cultural knowledge) but may struggle in a social setting where there is slang, faster speech, and less clarification. It can be even more challenging in a noisy and hectic situation, like a party, where there are multiple overlapping conversations happening at the same time.

In addition to language barriers, international students may also face challenges due to cultural differences. American customs, social norms, and slang might seem unfamiliar, and it can take time to acclimatize. International students may initially feel isolated and struggle to connect with their American peers, leading to a sense of disconnect.

Furthermore, some international students may feel more comfortable hanging out with other international students from similar cultural backgrounds, which can make it harder to form friendships with Americans.

To overcome these challenges, international students can try to actively seek out opportunities to interact with American students, join clubs or organizations, and be open to new experiences and cultural differences.

International students may find it hard to connect with Americans due to cultural differences

International students often struggle to make friends with Americans due to cultural differences. A study by Baruch College professor Elisabeth Gareis found that more than one in three international students have no close American friends. While 85% of American students surveyed reported having at least one international friend, only about 50% said they have more than two international friends. In contrast, 75% of international students surveyed said they have more than two American friends, but 10% said they have no American friends at all.

Some cultural barriers that international students face include language, cultural references, and differences in humour and sarcasm. For example, international students may find it challenging to keep up with overlapping conversations in social settings, which are often filled with cultural references and slang. Additionally, they may find it difficult to understand American sarcasm and humour, which can be very different from their home country's.

Furthermore, Americans' emphasis on personal space and independence can also hinder the formation of close friendships with international students. Americans tend to keep to themselves and not invade others' spaces or beliefs, which can make it challenging for international students to break the ice and initiate friendships.

Another factor is the different values and priorities between Americans and international students. For instance, Americans may prioritize schoolwork and focus on their careers, while international students may prioritize deep relationships and community ties. This can lead to a mismatch in expectations and make it challenging to form meaningful connections.

Lastly, international students themselves may contribute to the lack of American friends. They may feel more comfortable hanging out with other international students, especially those from their own country or similar cultures, as it is easier to communicate and relate to each other. Additionally, international students may not make enough effort to reach out and initiate friendships with Americans, assuming that Americans are not interested in getting to know them.

Americans may not make an effort to get to know international students

Some American students acknowledged that they don't do as much as they could to get to know international students. A graduate from the University of California, Berkeley, said, "When I was a student I didn’t make an effort to get to know international students because they weren’t in my classes or in any of the organizations I was in." Another student from the University of Kansas explained, "I am a natural introvert, which may have made communication between myself and other international students even more difficult."

International students also feel that Americans are not interested in knowing about their struggles. Tara from the University of Southern California said her American classmates have "no interest to know how [international] students struggle to live here."

Some international students also feel that Americans are not culturally sensitive. One international student at Oberlin College said, "When they’re in their own country and there’s a minority outsider who they’ll have to put particular effort into getting to know, I think most of them just don’t bother."

Additionally, Americans may not make an effort to get to know international students because they are focused on their schoolwork. Many Americans take out massive loans and rely on their education to help them pay it back.

International students may feel more comfortable hanging out with other international students

Secondly, cultural differences can also play a role. International students may find it easier to communicate with others from similar cultural backgrounds, as they are brought up with similar customs and traditions. This can create a sense of familiarity and comfort. Additionally, international students may feel that Americans are not interested in learning about their struggles or cultural differences.

Moreover, Americans tend to keep to themselves and may not make enough effort to get to know international students. This can result in international students feeling like they need to be the ones to break the ice and initiate conversations. However, international students may be hesitant to do so due to shyness or a lack of confidence in their English abilities.

Finally, international students often seek each other out due to the shared challenges they face, such as adapting to a new educational system, culture shock, and language barriers. They may find it easier to confide in and support each other during their time abroad.

International students may struggle to make American friends due to differences in social norms

Cultural differences can create barriers to friendship. For example, Americans tend to be more individualistic, while other cultures, such as those in Asia, place a greater emphasis on social relationships and community ties. This can lead to misunderstandings and difficulties in forming connections. Additionally, Americans may not be as sensitive to cultural differences, which can make international students feel like they need to conform or fit in.

Language barriers can also play a role. While international students may have a good grasp of English, they may struggle with slang, cultural references, and faster speech in social settings. This can make it challenging to keep up with conversations and feel included.

Furthermore, Americans tend to value personal space and may be less likely to invade others' spaces or infringe on their beliefs. This can make it difficult for international students to break the ice and initiate friendships. However, it is important to note that Americans are generally friendly and accepting, and often interested in learning about other cultures.

To overcome these challenges, international students may need to step out of their comfort zones and make an effort to initiate interactions with American students. Joining groups, asking questions, and seeking out shared interests can help facilitate friendships. Additionally, remembering that Americans may be focused on their schoolwork and not intentionally ignoring international students can help create a more positive mindset.

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