Sydney Svoboda

Reflection #3

Getachew

Comm

February 2, 15

            As I read through Chapter 8, and the different experiences that were shared the one definition that stuck out to me the most was social support. The book defines social support as “ties with other people that play a significant part in mediating psychological health over time.”  “However, the socials support system needs to include individuals both from the home culture and from the host culture. For example, studies show that international students relationships with host culture members and also with other international students lead to better adjustment in general ” (Kashima & Loh, 2006). While talking to my SUSI partner, Mompati, I asked him, “How his experience has been going so far in Lincoln?” He said, “I have enjoyed all of the people I have met so far, they have been very welcoming and helpful.” He also said, although, he has never met the other SUSI students before this trip, they have made his trip to America better. The first time I met the SUSI students there was a group of about ten of them hanging out in the lobby in Pound. As we started talking with them, and asking each other questions they all helped to pitch in their opinions and experiences. They also were talking with one another about their experiences through out the day, and what they thought was weird or unusual compared to their culture. Having this social support I believe helps the SUSI students to have a better overall experience. Because at the end of the day they have someone who understands how they are feeling, and a friend to experience these cultural differences with.