Fulbright Foreign Student
Newsletter

Exploring America Culturally

My Fulbright journey started on April 2007 when I was invited to attend a new grantee Fulbright orientation. From there, it did not take much time to finalize which university I would attend in the U.S. and process my visa. After a 36-hour flight with two stops, I finally arrived at Atlanta International Airport. I had strange feelings upon landing in the “Land of Opportunities." I used to think how different this part of world would be, the part responsible for influencing our minds with its developing pace and progress.

After we landed, I went through a long immigration process. Then Michael, a “Friend of Internationals” from my university, picked me up. He was my first good impression of America when he greeted me warmly. When he extended his hand for a warm and welcoming shake, I was initially puzzled, but then I accepted his welcoming style. Later on, I realized that is the part of American culture but in Pakistani society, shaking hands is not considered a good gesture.

Aisha Azar, 2007-2008, Pakistan (center)

I found there were many new things I had to learn how to use: my student card to operate the photocopying, laundry and snack vending machines. In Pakistan, there are people who do most of these tasks. My most immediate observation about the U.S. was the efficient technological strategies that have replaced manpower.

After one month of being in the U.S., the blessed month of Ramadan occurred. It happened to be longer in terms of fasting compared to Pakistan. I had to stop eating at 6:00 am and mostly break my fast at 7:45 pm, which usually happened while I was in classes. The most interesting event during Ramadan was the Iftar party hosted by our international center. It was a big surprise for me. I, like all other people in Pakistan, never thought that people in the U.S. would accommodate the religious festivities of Muslims. I had a great feeling at the Iftar party, seeing it from a different perspective by spending it with multi-racial Muslims, breaking our fast together.

After my settling-in phase, I started taking part in American cultural, religious and social festivals. I found it highly difficult to dress up according to the need of the occasion. In Pakistan, I had felt that Americans were not the least bit conscious of how they dress. Now, I know that this is not correct. Americans remain casual during the day but dress up according to occasions. Also, Americans are very conscious about big brands.

The first American event I experienced was Halloween. I attended three different parties: a Halloween party organized by the international center, one by the Alumni Village and one hosted by my professor at his home, which was the best one of all.

The second event I experienced was church just three days before Thanksgiving. I wanted to see what usually happens in church religious ceremonies. I was welcomed by everyone there. I enjoyed the sermons based on the Holy Scriptures, singing hymns and how people shared small events of happiness and sorrows in their lives. It was a new experience for me to see the religious festivities of another religion conducted in a different nation.

I was invited by a family to attend a Thanksgiving dinner at Wakulla Park. My first surprise was the use of the words 'Thanksgiving dinner' although it was hosted at lunchtime. According to the family that hosted me for dinner, it’s the formal name of the meal but one always calls it dinner. After the meal, I was taken on a boating trip on a lake located in Wakulla Park. I was very impressed by the warmth of the family hosting the event. However, one thing depressed me a bit during the dinner conversation; it was a comparison between how often people meet their parents for celebrations in the U.S. and Pakistan. People in the U.S. celebrate Thanksgiving and meet with their parents annually. In Pakistan, however, these events are celebrated almost daily and, in most cases, weekly or monthly.

In a nutshell, the things that I liked the most about being in the U.S. are: the fast-paced lifestyle, high-tech systems, less reliance on manpower, attractive seasonal shopping deals, the return policy at stores, human values, effective emergency mechanisms, people’s hospitality and helpful attitude. The things that I disliked the most are: less family orientation, importance of pets, hefty money deposits for a new mobile phone service, lack of spices in foods, telemarketing, different usage of terms like 'miles/hour,' temperatures in Fahrenheit, petrol in 'gallons,' 'football' as 'soccer.'

It is a long journey ahead for me. I am hoping to experience more events and attend many social and religious festivals as part of my desire to explore America - a wish I've had in my heart since my childhood.

First Delights and Disappointments

What can I say about my first days in America? I experienced delights and disappointments.

As far as delights are concerned, the first thing that struck me was the surrounding nature. All that you can imagine in your dreams is in Wyoming. The majestic grand hills and the Rocky Mountains, the lazy high plains and the hospitable inhabitants of these places (elk, deer, bison, badgers, etc.). The sight of the divine landscapes of Yellowstone Park and the Grand Teton - I wanted to exclaim, “Stop time! This is perfect!” just as in Goethe's Faust.

Olena Fedorchenko, 2007-2008, Ukraine

The third thing was my university. I can say with great pride that I am working with the best specialists: my academic advisors Professor Marcel Kornfeld and Dr. Nicole Waguespack. I am very much obliged to them for giving me the opportunity to attend some lectures for useful advice and scientific consultations. I am also working with Dr. Danny Walker, Dr. Robert Kelly and Dr. Mary Lou Larson.

I have taken part in two archaeological conferences, one in Rapid City, South Dakota and the other in Jackson, Wyoming. I met many scientists who showed interest in my research. Also I gave a presentation about my research to students. I am currently preparing an article for a major American archaeological journal, American Antiquity. Simultaneously, I am studying literature for my dissertation.

Disappointments? I do not know if I can call my feeling a disappointment per se. Probably it is a feeling of homesickness and pining for my family and friends. Oh yes, I have many new friends. However, I recall a very famous proverb that an old friend is worth two new ones.