[szejia]

I recently participated in a study abroad program. I'm at that stage where I'm reconsidering the aims of my decision. I'm facing a situation when I realize I am only mixing with my own kind and other Asian students over here. I think mainly it's because we share same conservative views and just the way we are from behavior to dressing. I didn't plan for it to be this way, and I wanted to see how it's like outside Asia and at the same time, I wish to make friends with the locals. It's not really a culture shock for me because I was prepared for some differences.

The school encourages us to mix and mingle with everyone but from how I see it's not that easy. There's always a certain awkwardness when I try to talk to the locals. It's probably the accent and maybe we just run out of things to talk about sometime and end up having nothing in common.

It's only been my 3rd week here so maybe it's still too early to say. I generally had fun over here and the locals are really really nice and courteous (Aussies rock! lol.) So in a way, it should be alot easier to approach them. I can't seem to relate to people these days. What should I ask?

Do conservative values hold you back from being in touch with the country you're in or would you compromise them for the time being?

[[HyuNi]]

They say our level of maturity is easily determined by the people who you associate with.
With that said, if you only hang out with a particular group of people, you haven't experienced other cultures, characters, and personalities.
That's why diversity is so highly regarded these days, because the world isn't secluded into regions, but literally a global environment.
Sure you may not feel comfortable with someone you have nothing in common with, but the more people with different backgrounds you meet, the more you'll know how to address them and feel at ease.
You may not even like some types of people, but when you have more contact with them, you'll know how to handle them.

Plus, the conservative/liberal spin is all relative.
What may be conservative ideas to you could be ultra liberal to others, and vice versa.
It's not fair to judge others on their level of 'conservativeness' with your set of beliefs which render your idea of conservative values.

[UglyIsBeautiful]

I think its about sharing of similar values. It's less about race/culture these days but more about social class. Like people in common professions can relate to each other more. I'm Asian but I've been working in companies full of caucasians and to me, I hardly even see them as "white people" anymore. I don't even look at them with any racial stuff involved. We can relate to each other cause we have similar lifestyles, goals in life, values, and sense of professionalism.

[Prot]

I studied abroad in HK and although I was born in HK & my circle of friends are mostly asian here in NYC, when I went abroad, I ended up being friends with other exchange students more than the locals simply because the locals had their own little cliches developed and thats how things end up.

[Nightmare]

Just mingle. I can't relate to 90% of the people here, but I'm minglng and learning new things everyday -like the many reasons why I can't relate to them...HA . I guess, what's makes the conversation going is the background. I'm usually around many different people from many different backgrounds. Some are conservatives and some are real immature, but I adapt, learn, and understand.

[Pogichinoy]

The locals are different to you but not much different. Ask them about their interests, family, goals, food, music, the arts, video games, tv shows, movies, actors, actresses, etc. You will eventually find something that you both have in common and then you can build from there. Maybe a sure thing topic is boys.

And yes, Aussies rock!

[A.Wesker]

lol cough bondi riots ....

anywho not much to know about culture here in australia...they like to celebrate australia day by drinking beer and eating lamb and whats good about australia

just dont go down south area.. the chinese place i work at accomodates all kinds aussies and every week i meet wife beaters and teens calling me charlie and gook

but we ALLLL KNOW they arent aLLL like that so i treat everyone equal and dont suck up to anyone ....
unless its my boss who will hopefully give me a pay rise

[dottywine]

Its easy! They're people, too. When you meet people, tell them about what you're going through. That you're trying to mingle and meet new people. Its that easy.

[twinkl]

You can still be conservative and OPEN-MINDED, right? You don't have to form lasting friendship bonds with people to become acquainted with them and learn about other cultures. At least, that can be your initial attitude about things if you feel uncomfortable with people who don't share your values. I hope your Asian friends are not making you feel even more distanced from people who are different from you. I mean, differences may become more amplified when you limit yourself to ONLY things you're already familiar with. Isn't the point of study abroad to get away from things like that? Aren't you tired of the same-old?