New Home, New Habits

How America Changes International Students

*The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Lynn University, iPulse or its members.

By Javiera Sarmiento, Staff Writer

American culture influences the habits of international students living the college experience in the U.S.

In America, fast food chains are pervasive and retail therapy is normalized as a coping mechanism. Trends like Soul Cycle and the mass consumption of Dunkin are some of the reasons why foreign students tend to change their customs once they are away from home.

Add to that how newly discovered responsibilities and social pressure make it hard for international students to stick to what they know, and a lot is thrown at them upon arrival.

To find out what some of the most common habits picked up by international students while living in the U.S. are, iPulse spoke with some from Lynn University.

“I remember one of the first things I noticed when I came to the U.S was that there are Starbucks and Dunkin’ on every other corner,” said Maria Duenas, a junior. “Later on, I realized I was surrounded by the smell of coffee even in class.”

Although popular in Latin America and Europe, coffee is a product that Americans have learned to exploit. The habit of drinking coffee in the morning, afternoon and at night as a way to stay awake and focused is one that domestic students have grown up with. International students — out of curiosity or even to fit in — have picked up that habit, and before realizing it, they are three shots of espresso in by 2 pm.

“I would say that something that changed once I came to Lynn was the way I ate, how I went from eating healthy to eating poorly, to finally finding a balance,” said Patricio Lastra, a sophomore.

Fast food chains like McDonald’s and Domino’s exist outside the U.S. Still, the incredible amount of fast food establishments and their litany of options tempt international students, especially during freshman year.

The so-called freshman 15 is not at all a joke, especially not for foreign students who are introduced to ever-present options like pizza, hamburgers and hot dogs not only in food courts but in Lynn’s Dining Commons.

This can often make it challenging to eat a balanced meal. However, it is common that after the first year abroad, international students begin to analyze the food situation from other angles, since as Americans do not only have the most fast-food chains, they also have numerous healthy eating options.

“I think being in college here in the U.S. humbles you. Just like in small ways, as everything here’s more expensive, and cleaning ladies and private drives don’t exist anymore,” said a junior who would like to remain anonymous.

It might sound surprising, but for some international students, being abroad is the first time they see themselves doing chores as simple as doing laundry or making the bed before starting the day. The reality is, hiring someone to do those chores for you or to drive you around town is very cheap, at least in Latin American countries.

Adopting healthy or unhealthy habits while living in America is one’s choice. Just keep in mind everything is about finding balance.