International Culture

                                     Ever feel as if you are in way over your head?

                                     The work load is more than you expected?

                                  But actually, you are so ridiculously excited about it?

 Well, I am currently experiencing these feelings. Being thrown into another culture, without any previous knowledge of how to live in another country, is really quite daunting. It's not so much of a culture shock...well actually it is...an international culture shock I guess. As although I am in the Netherlands, everyone speaks English (including the Dutch), and nobody who I live with, is Dutch. I live with Italians, Spaniards, Brazilians, Mexicans, French, Americans, Bulgarians, Hungarians, Turkish, South Koreans, Chinese and many more nationalities. So here, it's a community of foreigners, all studying in the City of Groningen. So far, it is already eye opening, I have learnt so much about others cultures perceive things and communicate. For me it's truly fascinating to see all the different perspectives and ideas on life and education. And rather than listening to world news and finding out what's happening from the media, I here it from the people who are actually living in these countries, for example italy, and everything that's happening with the Pope, and the crisis, to speaking about Hurricane Sandy with a New Yorker, this is my news, and yes the stories would be bias and opinionated, but it makes you realise how much can get caught up in media, and changed and manipulate to make news, newsworthy.

Tomorrow night all the students in my accommodation are participating in Dinner, that involves us all bringing our national dish, or something of the sort, and sharing with everyone.....I have no bloody clue what to make, and no, not fish and chips....or a cup of tea (or anything that involves baking)!

All I know from my international experience is, although we are from all over the world, people are friendly and open, and always want to share their thoughts and experiences. Nobody is shy, and everyone speaks their mind, and this is how it should be.