Assimilation Conundrum: Austrian Befriends Americans in Costa Rica

Abstract

The number of international students coming to the United States has fallen during the past two years. Still, many come. They seek an education that may be unavailable at home or just an opportunity to study in a foreign environment. Upon graduation, many return home with subject matter knowledge gleaned in the classroom but no real understanding of Americans or America. Those lacking assimilation and acceptance among US students return to their homelands shortchanged and in some ways, less prepared than they should be to deal in a multi-cultural environment. International students need to be assimilated in such a manner as to enrich their understanding of the United States and to broaden their horizons. Too, assimilation may lead to an increase in the numbers of foreign students seeking an education in the U.S. In a similar vein, U.S. students can enrich their knowledge and understanding of foreign cultures through close interaction with foreign students.