A Quick Guide to American Academia

Over the last 10 years I have completed undergrad, OPT, grad-school, and more grad-school in the American education system. There are several things I’ve learned along the way that I wish all international students knew on the front end. I’ve divided them up into 5 sections:

1. Teacher-Student Relationship

2. Absolutism vs. Relativism (spoiler: America is pretty relativist)

3. Self-Advocacy

4. Plagiarism

5. Peer relationships & Networking

In todays post let’s talk teacher-student relationships, and we’ll cover the others in future blog posts!

Cultural Differences in Teacher-Student Relationships

Depending on your country of origin, one of the most difficult adjustments could be the teacher-student relationship. Many students from honor/shame cultures, collectivist cultures, and/or Eastern cultures are taught to show great deference to those in authority, including teachers. We are taught that the teacher knows best, and even if we disagree, we wouldn’t dare voice that. I remember in my early college days feeling as though if I didn’t understand something I had to exhaust ALL options before going to office hours so as not to waste the professor’s time. I also felt like if I did go to office hours, I had to stay on the topic of class material and keep meetings short and to the point. Some professors may appreciate this approach, but over my 9 years in American academic institutions, I’ve learned that there is so much more to be gained from the teacher-student relationship.

Teacher Relationships Are Usually Less Formal in the U.S.

First, this relationship isn’t nearly as formal as it is in many of our home countries. Many professors may be interested in knowing you as a person - your interests, future goals, sometimes even your family and personal life - especially if they influence your academic performance. Someone not familiar to this concept may interpret this level of personal interest as favoritism or an attempt to initiate an inappropriate relationship. However, this is common in American universities. In fact, the professors who know you best can write you more well-rounded recommendation letters for your next steps. (Side note - recommendation letters here tend to not focus on just your grades and professional skill set but also your personality, character, and interpersonal skills).

Take Clues from Your Classmates

Second, where in many cultures the assumption is that the teacher knows the facts and simply passes them on to students, the American system encourages critical thinking and forming one’s own opinions about any given topic. I have found it helpful when I am in a class with a new professor to watch how other students approach the topic and how they interact with the professor. Notice which professors invite more discussion and allow yourself to learn to respectfully express your thoughts. Many professors really appreciate the cross-culturally informed perspectives that you bring, and your views could enrich or deepen the discussion - which is good for everyone’s learning!

P.S. Some of your views may not translate well to American culture. You’ll learn this soon enough. I recommend listening for a while before you participate to get a sense of some of the core beliefs. You may accidentally say something controversial or culturally insensitive. That’s ok. Be willing to dialogue and learn from that. ☺

NICOLE CHIKUNGWA • ZIMBABWE

Nicole has lived in Arkansas and Tennessee and is now toiling for a PhD in Clinical Psychology in California. She is an avid reader, she knits recreationally, and she sings (mediocrely) for fun. Nicole is in her element during long conversations and extended periods of solitude, but she can party like the best of them if the occasion calls for it.