Send Your Questions

[NOTE: these letters are slightly fictionalized, but based on common questions of volunteers]

Dear Ms. International RelationTips:
I cant pronounce or remember my Chinese student's name. Can I just call her Susie, instead?
signed, Can't Say Names

Dear Names,
Well, you could and often they choose an American name to make it easier for most of us who can't remember.
But
How would you feel if a friend you meet with regularly doesn't know your real name? We feel it is so important that others say our name correctly, so they know who we really are.
I-students are the same underneath, although they are trying hard to fit in with us.
So do your best to learn their real name. It is a small token of sincere friendship.
Nominally yours,
Ms. International RelationTips


What should I talk about with my new ISI Friendship partner?
signed,
Stumped

Dear stumped,

1. The weather
2. Their studies
3. Their family
4. Ask them questions about their culture.
Mainly try to center it around them,not just talk about yourself. And don't be afraid of some silence in your conversation. Often they need time to translate what you've said in their mind. Allow them time to formulate their own questions.
And have fun!
Conversationally yours,
Ms. International RelationTips

What do international students really want from Americans like me?"
signed, 5minutes 2spare

Dear 5minutes,

Not a lot of time, but a bit of quality friendship, someone who they can become comfortable enough to ask silly cultural questions, practice their English, and turn to for occasional help.
In order to do that, we must take a little time to build bridges of friendship, so they know us enough to trust us.
trustingly yours,
Ms. Int'l RelationTips

******

Why won't my international student friend come to my social events I plan?
signed, social diva,

Dear Diva,
Because international students' #1 priority is their career and their studies, social events are very secondary. So let's do whatever we can to help, not hinder them with their work. Can you invite them to meet any friends who work in their fields? That will satisfy both your interests!

socially yours,
Ms. International RelationTips

Dear Ms. Relation Tips:
How can I get my international student friend to answer my phone calls. She doesn't call back!
Signed, "PleaseLeaveAMessage"

Dear PleaseLeave:
Try calling her between 10 p.m. and midnight, usually the best time to reach students, since they aren't in class, but are stay up late studying, have turned their cell phone back on, and often she will welcome a friendly chat as a study break.
nocturnally yours,
Ms. International RelationTips

* * * *
Dear Ms. International RelationTips:
How is the current American Economic Crisis affecting the global economy?
Signed, BleakOutlook,

Dear Bleak,
When California sneezes Korea catches a cold, but even better than my amateur opinion, I can ask some ISI experts in this matter--UCSC International Economics PhD students! Watch for their answers in our next issue.
Economically yours,
Ms. International RelationTips

* * * *

Dear Ms. Int'l RelationTips:
How can I improve my English conversation skills? The Americans students don't understand me.
signed,
2Shy2SpeakUp

Dear SpeakUp:
Like any other subject you are studying---lots of practice!
and ISI is here to help you with American friends who have fun learning from you too!
email Peggy to be matched with a nice ISI conversation Partner today.
linguistically yours,
Ms. International RelationTips

Questions? Ask ISI's International RelationTips experts!

Look for the answers in the next installment of ISI Santa Cruz updates!