Starting off the new semester, we are sure to see many new faces. This fall 2023 semester brings us many new international students from around the globe! We have students from countries such as Korea, Spain, Japan, France, Sweden, and more. I have been given the pleasure to meet a few of them myself and get their insight on campus. As it is common to feel nerve-wracked to begin college away from home, I was curious to get the inside experience of living life in Cortland as someone from a different country.
Student Interview
Erica Sekiguchi is a Junior in Japan, but it is her first semester in Cortland and is only here for one semester. I sat with her and got some feedback from her as a new student here.
1. What made you decide to study in Cortland of all places?
“I am majoring in international studies but I am interested in sociology. I am taking those kinds of classes here.” She follows up by saying she wants to master her English language.
2. Where are some places you have visited here so far and what are your favorite spots on campus or in the area?
“Walmart. Yesterday I went to Niagra Falls. It was so pretty and amazing. I rent the bikes here (SLC) and I went to this park when I biked to Homer. I love it, I love to bike.” She continues, “Ah also Ithaca. I went to cliff jump. Next weekend I am going to the city to watch Broadway. I am so excited.”
3. How many Japanese international students are here currently studying?
10 people.
4. Would you say it is easy to make friends here?
“No, it is very difficult. In America, when classes finish all students leave as soon as class is over. In Japan, after class we do not go so quickly; we make conversations with each other to make friends.”
5. What would you say to someone curious about studying internationally?
“For me, I am so excited and glad I came here, I really like to explore everywhere so it is very suitable for me. But some of my (international) friends sometimes have problems with things such as roommates. It’s their first time living here, and they get homesick. I did not get homesick, but some may struggle. It is fine for me.”
6. What are some major differences between America and Japan?
“I think American classes are more interesting…like the teachers. Japan has more of a hierarchy between student to teacher,” Erica explains, “Professors in Japan don’t make an effort for student enjoyment. Here it is different, they try to make learning enjoyable and fun. Japanese people, as you may know, are more orderly.”
Erika goes on to bring up a phrase called Sekentei 世間体, pronounced (seh-kehn-tay). Sekentei means ‘public image’. It is the phenomenon of people caring too much about other people’s ideas about them. It is a term to describe how orders and expectations are pressured on individuals to feel as though they need to follow constant mannerisms and norms. “Here no one cares about other people. I do not have to worry about people looking at me and judging me here when I walk down the street. It is easy for me to live here. I feel comfortable.”
Erica noticed that people do not bike here at all, she believes this is due to everyone relying on strictly cars. In Japan, biking is a popular mode of transportation.
Another difference she brings up is the scenery. She describes Cortland as a “country”. She grew up in Chiba, an urban side of Japan, and she frequently visited her grandparents who live in the center of Tokyo. “I explore Tokyo by biking, walking, or riding an electric scooter.”
Erica touches up on the safety of Japan versus America, “Lots of more security in Japan. I can walk around midnight by myself. Here I can’t do that. I do miss that… I miss walking by myself at midnight to the convenience store.”
Conclusion
Getting to speak with Erica really opened my eyes. I was pleased to hear how well she is adjusting in such a foreign new place that is so drastically different from Japan. International students help diversify and bring enrichment of different backgrounds and culture to this campus. It is insightful to hear how their general every day and educational lifestyle differ from that of SUNY students.