Douglas Olsen
International students are often perceived to have a heightened sense of fashion and style, with their clothing choices standing out on campus. This trend has sparked curiosity about the underlying reasons for their seemingly elevated sense of style. While some may attribute it to wealth or the assumption that richer people tend to study abroad, there are other cultural and personal factors at play. For instance, clothing is a significant part of identity in many cultures, and international students may use fashion to express their cultural heritage or assimilate into a new community. Additionally, some international students may simply prioritize their appearance and fashion sense, which can be advantageous in certain situations like job interviews or formal events.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Socioeconomic status | International students often come from wealthy backgrounds and can afford designer clothing. |
| Cultural expression | Clothing is a form of cultural expression for international students, showcasing their cultural values and identity. |
| Assimilation | International students may choose to dress similarly to their peers to fit in and assimilate with their new community. |
| Fashion consciousness | Some international students are fashion-conscious and dress elegantly or modestly, caring about their appearance and the impression they give. |
| Country of origin | Students from certain countries, such as China, South Korea, or France, are perceived to have a sense of style or dress nicely. |
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What You'll Learn
International students tend to be wealthy
International students are often perceived as being wealthy, and this is reflected in their clothing choices. There are several reasons for this perception. Firstly, studying abroad is expensive, especially in countries like the US, and international students often have to pay higher tuition fees than domestic students. As a result, international students often come from wealthier backgrounds and can afford designer clothing and better-quality garments. This is particularly true for students from countries with significant wealth gaps, where the lack of a middle class means that those who can afford to study abroad are typically from higher socioeconomic backgrounds.
Secondly, cultural factors play a role in the perception of international students as wealthy. In many cultures, clothing is a significant part of identity, and traditional clothing is central to community celebrations and cultural expressions. International students may choose to dress modestly yet elegantly to fit into their new community, which can be perceived as expensive taste. Additionally, some international students may come from cultures where dressing well is a priority, and they bring their sense of style with them when they study abroad.
Furthermore, the pressure to assimilate with peers from the host country can influence the clothing choices of international students. They may feel the need to fit in with their new environment, leading them to purchase clothing that is popular or considered fashionable in their host country. This can result in them buying more expensive or designer clothing to match the styles of their peers.
The perception of international students as wealthy is also influenced by the contrast between their fashion sense and that of students from the host country. For example, American students are often perceived as dressing casually or athletically, even when they are not exercising. In contrast, international students may place more importance on their appearance and dress more elegantly or fashionably, which can make them stand out on campus.
Lastly, the perception of international students as wealthy may be influenced by individual experiences and anecdotes. Some international students do come from wealthy backgrounds and may have access to luxurious wardrobes, expensive cars, and the latest technology. These individuals contribute to the perception that all international students are wealthy, even though there are likely to be variations in socioeconomic status within the international student population.
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They care about their appearance and first impressions
International students are often perceived as fashion icons on campus, with their clothing choices standing out and making a statement. They are described as dressing modestly yet elegantly, exuding confidence and a sense of style that is tasteful and fashionable.
Caring about their appearance and making a good first impression can be important factors in the way international students present themselves through their clothing. They understand that their fashion choices reflect their personalities and backgrounds, and they want to make a positive impact on those around them. For some international students, dressing well may be a way to showcase their wealth and social status, especially if they come from affluent or high-society families.
Additionally, cultural influences play a significant role in the fashion choices of international students. Their clothing may reflect the traditional wear of their home countries, blending cultural expressions with contemporary styles. In some cases, international students may adopt a more Westernized wardrobe to fit in with their new peers and surroundings, toning down their cultural heritage to assimilate.
The pressure to assimilate can be strong, and some international students may feel the need to leave their traditional clothing behind to avoid standing out too much or facing potential criticism or cultural appropriation debates. As a result, they may opt for more mainstream fashion choices that align with the styles prevalent on campus.
Furthermore, studying abroad is a significant financial investment, and those who can afford it may come from privileged backgrounds. This can contribute to the perception that international students are well-off and able to purchase designer clothing and accessories.
Overall, international students' attention to their appearance and first impressions through their clothing choices can be a combination of cultural influences, a desire to fit in, and a reflection of their personal styles and backgrounds.
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They may wear traditional clothing from their home countries
International students are often perceived as having a good sense of fashion and dressing nicely. While some of these students may be flaunting their wealth, others may be wearing traditional clothing from their home countries.
Traditional clothing is central to community celebrations and cultural expressions in many countries. It can represent cultural values and communal identity. For example, the intricate sarees in India and the graceful Buba in Nigeria are worn to signify membership in a dynamic community.
However, when studying abroad, some international students may feel pressured to assimilate with their non-native peers rather than showcase their cultural heritage. They may want to fit in with their new community instead of standing out. This can result in a lack of diversity in fashion choices on university campuses, with international students opting for more Western styles of dress.
Additionally, the climate of the host country may influence the clothing choices of international students. For instance, a student from a warmer climate may prioritize functionality over fashion when studying in a colder country.
International students who wear traditional clothing from their home countries may be expressing their cultural identity and pride. It is important to respect their fashion choices and avoid cultural appropriation.
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They want to fit in with their new community
International students often dress well because they want to fit in with their new community. For example, an international student from Egypt studying at the University of Edinburgh said:
> "At home, we will wear traditional wear to signify we are members of a dynamic community, almost like non-verbal affirmation that we are all part of something together. But when studying abroad, there is a pressure to assimilate with our non-Egyptian peers rather than show our proud badge of cultural honour. It's not a case of being embarrassed or rejecting our culture, but trying to fit into a new community instead of parading our own."
International students may also have more money to spend on nice clothes, which can help them to fit in with wealthier domestic students. For example, one teacher at an expensive American boarding school noted that their international students were "boarding school-rich" and that their "luxurious wardrobes depressed me". Another teacher at the same school observed that the style of their Chinese students was often "sleek and austere, black athleisure or a Comme des Garçons-ish androgynous thing".
However, it is important to note that not all international students are wealthy, and there may be other reasons for their interest in fashion. For instance, an international student from France noticed that they received compliments on their clothing in the US, even though they felt they were just wearing normal outfits. Similarly, an international student and author of an article titled "Stop taking the piss out of international students, they're the fashion icons of campus" notes that they dress tastefully because it shows they care about their appearance and because it will help them make a good impression in situations like job interviews or formal events.
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They have access to designer clothing
International students are often perceived as having nice clothes, and this may be because they have access to designer clothing. Studying abroad is expensive, and international students often come from wealthy backgrounds. They may be from countries with a significant wealth gap, where only those from a high socioeconomic status are able to travel for education. This means they can afford designer clothing.
For example, some international students from China may showcase extreme wealth through their clothing choices. They may wear sleek and austere black athleisure or androgynous styles, and their outfits can include expensive accessories, such as designer sunglasses or silk face masks.
International students from Korea are also noted for their fashionable attire, and they may bring their sense of style from their home country, where dressing well is a cultural norm.
Additionally, some international students may use clothing to assimilate into their new cultural environment. They may choose to dress similarly to their peers or adopt Western fashion trends to fit in, which can lead to a more homogeneous style on campus.
The pressure to assimilate can result in international students toning down their traditional cultural dress or opting for more Westernised attire. This can be a way for them to navigate their new cultural context and try to fit in with their peers.
In summary, international students may have access to designer clothing because they often come from wealthy backgrounds, enabling them to afford expensive attire. They may showcase their wealth through specific styles or accessories. Additionally, cultural factors play a role, as some international students dress to assimilate into their new cultural environment, which can influence their fashion choices and provide access to certain brands or styles.
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Frequently asked questions
International students tend to come from wealthy backgrounds, and wealthier people can generally afford nicer clothing.
Studying abroad is expensive, especially in the US. International students often have to pay higher tuition fees than domestic students.
Not always. Some international students may dress modestly or elegantly, while others may wear traditional clothing from their home countries.
Clothing is a large part of identity in many cultures. Traditional clothing can represent cultural values and communal identity. However, some international students may feel pressure to assimilate with their new peers and may choose not to wear traditional clothing.
Yes, international students may face cultural appropriation when their non-international peers adopt their traditional clothing as a fashion choice without understanding its cultural significance.
