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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (June 1, 1994)
. uaiiiro Men sung /uvh New international students cope with scary transition By Brian Sharp Staff Reporter Home was 10,000 miles away. In the movies, he had seen Los Angeles, New York. Images of the big city, with busy streets, bright lights and people everywhere were his Amer ica. Boon Lee Lim had never seen Lin coln, Nebraska. He was an industrial engineering major from College of Damansara Ugama in Selangor, 15 miles away from Maylasia’s capitol, home to more than 1 mill ion people— four times that of Lincoln. Lim had seen the big city, and this definitely wasn’t it. There were 100 UNL students from Malaysia when he arrived that sum mer. Out of25,000, that wasn’t many — and none of them were family. Still, Lim was dealing with it. Homesickness wasn’t plaguing him the way it does some international students.The only distance he was feeling was time. When he should have been think ing about going to class or getting lunch, he was ready for bed. Lincoln’s 11 a.m. is Malaysia’s midnight. In terms of culture shock, Lim ex Kerienced little. After a few months, e was comfortable speaking English. It helped that he had a support group, though small, already in place to help case the transition. Not all foreign students have that. In some ways that can be a good thing. Lim said people tended to be less independent when there was more support. By forcing students to be on their own, they may actually learn more about their new world, he said. But many of the international stu dents are shy, he said. Having some support at first can help ease the tran sition and clear some of the confusion. That’s where International Affairs and other international student groups come in. And that’s where Lim is now. Lim, a graduate student special izing in industrial management, acts as one of 15 peer advisors for new international students. He describes his job as both mentor and family. Each advisor works with about 10 foreign students, answering questions and helping with problems. Mary Swoboda, a counselor at the University Health Center (UHC), said the fact that foreign students couldn’t just get in their car and go see parents, family or friends only added to the stresses of their first year at UNL. The Health Center rarely sees the results of that added stress, however. UHC records show that last year, only 59 international students used the counseling and psychological servic es. Most foreign students are used to relying on family and friends she said, and they try and find that at UNL. But when the stress gets to be too much, the students health can suffer. UHC Medical Director Russell LaBeau said anxiety had a lot to do with all illnesses. Many symptoms related to culture shock were head aches, stomachaches and other gastro intestinal problems, he said. Unless dealt with, however, the anxiety per sists and the student can become sick er. ueneratiy, it wears on over time, he said. Once students realize they’re fitting in and everything is going to be okay, they’re less fearful, he said, and less anxious. Most international students will only spend a year and a half to two years m the united States before re turning home. Judy Wendorff, inter national student advisor, said 80 per cent of all foreign students went back to their country. Usually, because the job market back home was much better. If they choose, students can stay on for a year or more and get practical experience, working anywhere in the United States. Most, however, do not, she said. Lim will not stay. In a year, he hopes to graduate with his masters and return to Malaysia. The job market there is good he said, and he should have his pick of jobs. It keeps more than memories alive. American Heart Association^^ This space provided as a public service. ©1993, American Heart Association _ BE SHARP! Develop your own strategy to prevent and combat violence Register for free Sexual Harassment, Assault, and Rape Prevention classes. Open to any UNL students, staff or their families. Classes are held at the UNL Women Center, 340 Nebraska Union. For more information call the Women's Center 472-2597 STAY 3 DAYS/2 NIGHTS ON US! Introducing Sartor Hamann's Engagement Center, where you can select from the most up-to date collection of engagement and wedding rings. For a limited time, with the purchase of ANY engage ment ring, you will recieve a FREE three day-two night stay at your choice of these and many other diamond rated resort hotels. CASINO RESORT M*«aeaUniwn»iaudios Honda Reno, Nevada CLARION HARVEST HOUSE m BOULDER. COLORADO ehora(nnDolmrn»rf HllTON INN Sheraton Pjilni Coast oN Hilton head island RESORT _ SOUTH CAROLINA Spend a weekend on us! Stop in or call us for details. Minimum new purchase of $600. Transportation not included. Hkk .. Who Could Ask For More! y • - * . • • * * 12th & O St • 476-8561 Gateway Mall • 467-2509