American Сulture. Жукова Е.Ф. - 42 стр.

What’s going on here?
         Below are four situations involving international students in a school setting. I
each situation there is cultural misunderstanding. Read each situation, and then
discuss it.
A.       John is an international student who has come to the United States to study
engineering. He is failing physics and calculus and getting a D in chemistry. He has
an A in literature and an A in music. His college adviser has asked him to come in to
talk to him. When they meet, John explains that he studies very hard, but he just can’t
seem to get good grades in his science and math courses.
         His adviser suggests that he change his major, but John says that he can’t do
that. He must study to become an engineer. When his adviser asks him why, John
says that he came to the United States to study engineering, and that is what he must
do.
         His adviser asks him if he likes the science and math courses and John respond
by saying “What does that have to do with anything?”
         John’s adviser explains that people tend to do better in courses that they like.
He asks John why he thinks he has done so well in literature and music, John explains
that he reads a lot. He smiles and says he has always enjoyed reading and that he
plays the saxophone, the trumpet, and the piano. In fact. He says “I used to play in a
band, but my parents didn’t like it so I had to stop.”
         John promises to do better next semester. His adviser explains that if he
doesn’t improve his grades next semester, he will flunk out of school. John says that
he understands, and he will try harder.


B. Dean Atkins met with an international student who had a C average in his
      master’s program. They had the following conversation.
DEAN ATKINS:          Mr. Arn, I have called you into my office because your average
                      has fallen below a B for the second semester. I’m afraid you will
                      not be allowed to continue your studies at this school.
MR. ARN:              I don’t understand; I have passed everything.

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