Integration:
The prevalence of immigration in today’s world is easily
apparent. Student’s study abroad, businesses send representatives to foreign
clients, and families cross geographical barriers in hopes for a fresh start.
Integration is defined by Martin and Nakayama as, “a type of cultural
adaptation in which individuals maintain both their original culture and their
daily interactions with other groups.” Through
a few examples, I will try and highlight the prevalence of integration in
Lincoln, NE.
During
the rush hour of transition between classes, one will be hard pressed to not
notice the many Asian students within the masses. Studying abroad is becoming
more commonplace, the number of international students studying abroad in the
United States increased by 5% in the year 2011 (Institution of International Education, 2011) . The experience ofstudying abroad immerses the individual in a completely new culture. Also, there
may be limited contact with family from their country of origin. This may
inevitably lead the student to integrate some American cultural aspects into
their daily life. For instance, fast food is easily accessible and a tremendous
convenience; thus, students may begin to consume more fast food to leave more
time to focus on studying.
Integration
is not something I am completely unfamiliar with. Having lived in a different
culture during a major portion of my childhood, I sometimes find myself
following cultural norms I learned while in Brazil. The people of Brazil are an
extremely social bunch. Walking down the streets always merits eye contact from
a passerby and a smile accompanied by a nod. The citizens of the United States tend
to do the opposite; they may glance at a stranger, but more often than not, do
not acknowledge their presence--this happens on campus quite often. If anyone has an argument for why Americans
are, or are not, the way I depict, please share.
Applying
the concept of integration is difficult. However, with the knowledge I have
gained by reading the section in the book dedicated to the concept, I will be
able to understand a little better the reasons immigrants act. With this
understanding, I can begin to change any negative opinions I have of foreigners
that do not accept and adopt the dominant culture of the United States.
References:
Institution of International
Education. (2011, November 14). Institution of International Education.
Retrieved 03 05, 2012, from Press Releases:
http://www.iie.org/en/Who-We-Are/News-and-Events/Press-Center/Press-Releases/2011/2011-11-14-Open-Doors-International-Students
Martin, J. N., & Nakayama, T. K.
(2009). Intercultural Communication in Contexts. McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
Integration is a very interesting intercultural topic especially for all of us being students at UNL and walking around campus seeing many foreign exchange students on a daily basis. It definitely seems like the rate of students studying abroad has risen just as you pointed out Geoffrey. I would absolutely love to study abroad someday, just not sure if I will ever get the chance. Great post!
ReplyDeleteGood topic to choose. Your right in integration is becoming more common with students studying abroad. I like that you could relate it to yourself with having lived in Brazil.
ReplyDeleteI am also very familiar with integration. Playing basketball overseas in 4 different countries gave me opportunities to integrate with some great cultures. Many of the American basketball players chose to stick to themselves. I chose to try to integrate myself into the culture and with the people as much as possible. It made for much more meaningful experiences.
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