USD Magazine, Summer 1999

A small, bright-colored pamphlet even warns beach-goers about protecting themselves from a sunburn. But when it comes to preparing international students for cultural differences, brochures and seminars can't anticipate every situation.

"I've changed a lot the last two years," he says. "I approach people differently and I am more open to them." Dominguez has, too. After that first shocking day in the classroom, he quickly settled in, asking questions during lec– tures and debating fellow students. Every once in a while, he even brings a cold drink to class. As for the shorts and sandals, Dominguez just grins: He can't yet bring himself to try on that bit of American culture. Fontaine smiles when she reflects on students like lneichen, Dominguez and Alhamrani, and how much they learn about themselves and a new culture by the end of their stay in the United States. For Fontaine - a political refugee from Cuba who came to America in 1973 - her work is guided by a pas– sion for helping students. ''I am in love with my profession, really," Fontaine says. "People who come here from all over the world have so much to give."

Dominguez was teased good-naturedly for weeks after he kissed a female friend as a form of greeting, not knowing that casual "hellos" aren't as affectionate in the United States as in his homeland. lneichen is still perplexed by a jaywalking ticket he received. "Back home you just walk wherever you need to go," he says. And Alhamrani just can't get used to the strict time schedules adhered to in the United States. In her country, life progresses according to the sun and plans are made for general time periods, such as after sunset or before noon prayers. "If I've learned anything, it's that no matter how much people are alike, I have to be aware there are cultural differ– ences," says Alhamrani, who studies counseling in the School of Education. TAKING IT ALL IN International students are veteran travelers, speak at least two languages and have a zest for learning that gives the campus a certain flare. Yet, none of it would be palpable if the interna– tional students didn't take it upon themselves to get involved. "The dean of my high school used to tell us, 'Don't just go to school, let school go through you'," says Dominguez. The translation may be rough, but the idea is clear: Absorb all that school has to offer by experiencing things outside the classroom. The three Orientation Week volunteers also work on community service projects and participate in university ministry retreats, and lneichen serves as a drill teacher for German classes.

Top Majors of International Students (undergraduate)

102

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Business Administration Psychology Communication Biology International Relations

11

9 8 7

Countries with Most Students Attending USD

40 28 21 20 20 19 15 15 13 10

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Mexico Canada Germany France Japan Switzerland Taiwan Indonesia

Kuwait Sweden

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M A 6 A Z