Bloom

A magazine about international students at VCU

Bloom
Issue 01.

NO. 01
Issue 1
 Colophon

Editor
May Park

Art Direction + Design

May Park

Printing
Richmond Color Copy

Bloom magazine
Issue 01. Contributors to this issue
Morgan Cluley, Joon Kim, Leila Mnekbi,
Destarte Prieto, Hongyi Zhu

Thanks to
Laura Chessin, Destarte Prieto

Get in touch!
parkys3@vcu.edu
 Table of Contents

Interviews ‫انه كب ابحرم‬

Hongyi Zhu 6
Joon Kim 12 환영합니다
Destarte Prieto 20
Leila Mnekbi 28 我们欢迎你
Morgan Cluley 34
வரவேற்ப
Illustration Benvenuto qui
Quotes 40
What’s in my suitcase 41
You are welcome here
Editor’s Note Hongyi Zhu
Country: China
Major: Interior Design
Came to the United States in 2014
According to the Virginia Commonwealth University
reports, there are about 1597 international students
on campus in 2017. The number of international
students is increasing every year. As an international
student who has gone through living in different
countries, I would like to highlight the life of
international students from different cultures in the
United States. Since most of the international students
move to the United States for the college as an adult
or late teens, they experience cultural differences
and much more. BLOOM contains the interviews of
international students at VCU and their experience
about cultural difference, language barrier, and their
life transition from their country to the United States.
BLOOM is for both international students who want
to share their stories and anyone who is interested in
listening to the stories of people from different culture.
Due to the cultural difference and many other factors,
international students often feel lost and have a hard
time to be themselves. BLOOM delivers the message
“It’s okay to take some time to discover yourself in a
new culture, you will bloom eventually.”
to the viewers.
—May Park

6 Bloom Issue 1
 “Most of chinese public school focus
on academic subjects such as Math
or Science. If you are good at these
subjects, you are considered as a good
student. They do not really value arts.
My school didn’t provide art programs
and I didn’t like that environment”

Hongyi Zhu
When I came to the United States for the first time when I was the 10th grade,
I could choose art classes. I enjoyed drawing and painting in my art classes.
Unlike schools in the United States, you can’t focus on certain subjects
in Chinese public school. If you want to focus on art, you have to study
outside of school so basically, you need to study on your own. When I took
my 8th-grade summer classes in Australia, I could take robotics class and
other classes that I’ve never experienced. I was really impressed by how the
classes outside of China are so different. Not only I wanted to study in the
environment that values art but also I just wanted to see the outside of China.
Luckily, I have my relatives in the United States so I decided to study in the
United States from my high school year.

What was the biggest difference between China and the United States?

I’m not sure this is the right word but I think networking system is very
different. In Chinese public school, people build their network as classes or
groups because people take the same classes. For example, you can choose
your own subjects in the United States but in Chinese public school, the
school assigns your classes. It means you take the classes with the same
people for a year. We had 50-60 people in one class and we do a lot of things
as a group. People bond with each other in the classes. However, I think
things are more individual in the United States. People respect an individual’s
opinion more and they do things individually.

story of international students 7 5

“Spring festival (1/25) is the biggest national holiday in China. Have you ever experienced a language barrier?

During the spring festival time, there is no school and work When I have a critique or presentation, I spend more time than other people
(for half-month in middle school, 2 weeks in high school). do because English is not my first language. We (international students)
usually think in our native language and translate our thoughts into English
However, it’s just a typical day in the United States. It makes when we talk. It’s not 100% accurately translated most of the time. Even
me feel very weird. Since we don’t do anything but celebrate though I spend so much time to prepare for the presentation, I forget what I’m
the spring festival in China, I feel so lazy and do not feel like going to say sometimes.

going out during this time even though I’m in the United States. How’s living as an international student in the United States?
I also feel homesick too because all my family and cousins get
I feel like I’m not a good example of how international students are supposed
together and celebrate holidays but I’m here all alone.” to be. Overall, I think my life as an international student is positive. I’m
— Hongyi learning new things every day and I’m happy that I’m able to study what I
choose. I love learning new things.

Do you think VCU has a good community for the international students?
An episode that you felt a cultural difference in the United States.
I don’t really know because I only interact with people in my major.
People here have a better manner. People from different cultures have
different ways of living so I don’t judge. I don’t want you to misunderstand.
I was walking home after my classes one day and a stranger said hi to me

Hongyi Zhu
but I didn’t know how to respond at that moment. I just didn’t know how to
respond because I wasn’t familiar with that. If you say hi or talk to a stranger
in my country, people might think you are suspicious. But here, it’s a very
normal thing.

What’s your favorite part of living in the United States?

I like the idea of individualism. People respect the individual’s opinion.

In China, If you don’t follow what other people choose, you will be considered 3d model by Hongyi
as kind of going off track. Also, people here do not judge your outfit. I like
that freedom but sometimes, I get overwhelmed by certain people’s outfit
or hairstyle. I know it sounds a little ironic haha. Sometimes, I feel like some
people focus on their outfit or hairstyle too much.

What are the things you do not like about this culture?

I’m pretty conservative. I feel awkward when people talk about sex in public.
Sometimes my friends talk about sex or something sexual when we are
hanging out and I feel a little awkward. I guess I’m just not used to it. In China,
we don’t share our experience specifically sex with other people. I think sex
is too personal information. I would not say this stuff anyone but I wouldn’t
judge people either because talking about sex is not a bad thing. It’s just
a little awkward for me to listen.

How do you deal with the cultural difference?

I just accept that I’m from a different culture and try to have a different
mindset. I believe that’s the interesting part of living away from your original
culture. Sometimes, I do not get American jokes or do not really know music.
I’m still working on it.

Hongyi’s studio in Interior Design department

story of international students 9 5
10 Bloom Issue 1
 Joon Kim
Country: South Korea
Major: Graphic Design
Came to the United States in 2010

12 Bloom Issue 1

“
My dad is a broadcast
reporter at Korean
Broadcasting system and
he had an opportunity to
work at his company in
Washington DC for three
years. Our whole family
moved to the United
States in 2010. Around
that time, I finished my
Junior year in Korean
High school.”
International students at VCU
What was the biggest difference
between Korea and the US?
In lots of Korean high school,
students do not have PE, music,
or art classes. They can only take
subjects that they need for the
college entrance exam. However,
not only academic subjects but
extracurricular curricular activities
or sports are also very important in
the United States. I think that makes
people in the United States are more
open-minded because they can
experience different things during
Joon Kim
teenage.
Since the United States is made up
of people have different ethnicities,
people try to understand each
other and respect different cultures.
However, Korea is one of the most
ethnically homogenous nations in
the world. It means that everyone
belongs to the same ethnic category.
Over 99% of South Koreans identify
as ethnically Korean. For this reason,
the way people think is standardized
and very similar. I think this is one of
the biggest difference. When I first
came to the US in 2010, I ate lunch
alone for the first two months in
high school. I started having some
friends after I joined the school
soccer team. I knew I am a foreigner
who’s from a totally different culture
and it’s not easy to expect people to
approach me. So I tried to be more
talkative and be positive to interact
with people. Then it worked! I made
many good friends in my high school
and I still keep in touch with them.
13
Have you felt any cultural
differences?
School food in Korea and here is
really different. In Korean school,
every meal has rice, soup, 2 side
dishes, and dessert. Also, the lunch
is free in every Korean school.
When I first came to America, I ate
bread, mac and cheese and milk for
lunch. Since the food is completely
different, I needed time to get used
to the new diet.
The relationship between professor
and student is very different.
I have some Korean friends who
are also majoring in Design. Like
we do the senior show here, they
also have to write a proposal for
their senior show. But you need
to change the entire concept and
start from scratch if your professor
doesn’t like your concept. The
power of the professor is really
strong in Korea. Students are the
one supposed to make the show
but in Korea, the professors direct
students to the way they want.
You cannot say something against
your professor because it will give
you disadvantages in Korea. But
here, the professors treat you like
a designer who has own style or
sometimes it even feels like they
are your friends. I really like that
I can freely talk about my project
concepts with my professor. A lot of
Korean students say that professors
are always hard to reach or never
friendly. They are always difficult to
talk and get along.
Joon in front of his works from
Art Foundation program at VCU
14 Bloom Issue 1
 Joon Kim
Joon during his military service
in Korea for 2 years
How do you deal with the cultural difference?

I always remind myself that I’m from a different culture. It means I’m always
ready to learn new things. I remember when I first came to the United States,
my friends asked me if I watch Ellen show or Game of Thrones. But, I watched
none of them but Glee. I don’t think this is a cultural difference though. I just
liked watching Glee and High school musical in the high school year. Even
when my friends were kind of laughing at me about watching Glee, I didn’t
feel bad or offended. I was more like I will watch those shows later! I wanted
to stay positive in any situation.

Have you felt excluded based on your culture?

Not really. Sometimes, I feel like I don’t understand certain things due to
the cultural difference but I don’t feel down about it. I just don’t feel sad
or depressed about not knowing American culture. I guess I don’t mind
experiencing the cultural difference.

International students at VCU 14 16 Bloom Issue 1

Have you ever experienced a language barrier?

Yes, I have. I feel a language barrier when I talk to people especially when I
talk to someone in a different major. It’s hard for me to understand exactly
what they do in their major and language barrier makes it even harder. Also,
I’m still learning American slangs and jokes. I feel like writing in English is
the hardest part. It takes 3 times longer than I write in Korean. It’s hard to “I have had positive experiences
organize my thoughts and ideas in English. I usually write a draft in Korean so far. I also think it’s because I
first then change it into English when I write an essay. Reading English books
lived in Northern Virginia where
takes lots of time as well.
has a big Asian community. But
Do you think VCU has a good community for the international students? most importantly, your experience
depends on how you do. If you
I think it’s pretty good! I know there are many events for international
don’t try to learn or to be open-
students. Also, I heard the conversation partner thing is very helpful. My friend
could improve her English by having conversation session with American minded, it’s hard to adjust to the
students. new culture”

Is there anything you’d like others to know about the international

students?

Living in a different country is a good life experience. It expands the way you

Joon Kim
think and see things. I want people to do not hesitate to become friends with
international students due to the cultural difference. There might be some
cultural differences but also there are some things in common too!.

Publication by Joon

Poster by Joon—1

International students at VCU 16 18 Bloom Issue 1

 Destarte Prieto
Country: Philippines
Major: Graphic Design (exchange student from VCUQatar campus)
Came to the United States in 2019

Joon Kim

Poster by Joon—2

International students at VCU 19 20 Bloom Issue 1


“I think liberalism is the biggest difference. Qatar is a conservative
country because we follow the tradition and manner that happening in
every day life. But here, people have so much freedom so sometimes
they step on other people’s freedom.”
International students at VCU
Destarte’s campus in Qatar
Destarte Prieto
What was Since my family moved to Qatar 10 years ago, I grew up in the middle
east country. We cannot be revealing. I like living here because I can wear
the biggest whatever I want. In Qatar, we don’t wear tank top, shorts, or v-neck. We have
difference a policy of our clothing especially female clothing. In terms of clothing, I think
philippines culture is more similar to the America. Also, people in Qatar are
between Qatar very generous and welcoming so I sometimes feel it’s hard to become real
friends with Americans. You can be acquaintance but you can’t be friends with
and the United them. I always feel like there is an invisible wall between us.
States? I miss Arabic and Indian food. Here, it’s mostly American food. If you go to any
non-american restaurant, it doesn’t feel very authentic. If you eat Arabic food
in Qatar, it feels very healthy and authentic but here, the food has too much
oil, salt, and chemicals. It tastes very artificial. I think many arabic restaurants
in Richmond put too much chemicals and add stuff to make it delicious. Also,
Americans drink lots of soda. People here get a big cup for soda but,
we normally get a small can or just do not in my country.
There are many open house parties. People just can come in and hang out
without an invitation. In Qatar, parties are very exclusive. People must need
an invitation to go into the house party. I also do not like everyone is drinking
too much or casually smoking weed. I don’t think it’s possible to get weed in
my country. Since it’s easy to get an access to weed and drugs, people have
more chance to get addicted to them.
21 22 Bloom Issue 1
Poster by Destarte—1

“I had a conversation with this guy and

he asked me where I’m from and
I told him I’m from Qatar. Then he was
surprised that I’m good at speaking
English. A lot of people assume that
I won’t be good at English because I’m
from a different country.”

Favorite part of living in the United States?

Probably being independent is my favourite part of living in the United States.

I learned so much from living by myself. In Qatar, my mom always does
everything at home. Also, I have so much free time in the United States too.
In Qatar campus, we have so many assignments but here, everything is more

Destarte Prieto
chill. I have so much time to explore and focus on myself.

Anything that you do not like about this culture?

Living alone. I said the best part is living alone but if I face challenges, I don’t
have support here. For example, I do not have a car here so If I need some
art supplies, I can’t easily get them. It makes me order things online more. In
Qatar, people don’t really order things online. I think there are more range of
materials here. Also, everything especially printing is more expensive here.
Back home, everything is provided by the school.

How do you deal with a cultural difference?

So far I didn’t have experience cultural differences because I don’t really hang
out with Americans. The only American people I hang out are church people.
I usually hang out with the exchange program students like me. I think we
both accept and respect our culture. I’m actually learning a lot from them.
Ah this thing might be too much information but I miss bidets. The bidet is a
type of sink for washing your genitalia after you use the toilet. In Qatar, we use
wash down there with the bidet and use toilet paper but here, people just use
the toilet paper. I don’t feel clean if I just use toilet paper to clean myself.

How’s living as an international student in the United States

It’s a great experience but i wouldn’t want to live here. how open and liberal
they are not matching. i see the difference between philippine american and
phillipine. you respect elders. you still have to respect them. but here, you
can call the police people don’t care about age. there should be a boundary.
american professors are very chill.

International students at VCU 23 24 Bloom Issue 1

 Do you think VCU has a good community for the international students?

I think there is a lack of community for the international students. I live

in a globe building where a lot of international students live. VCU global
education office has some events but I think they should have better way
to make people get involved. The event is open for everyone so its hard to
find a personal connection. I don’t know anyone there because it’s open for
everyone not just the international students. I think those events should be
more specific. Also, global education office introduces American buddy to the
internationals students. Buddy shows the students around VCU campus and
introduces American life style. But, buddy experience really depends on who
you get. If they are really friendly, it’s nice experience. I had one but she never
tried to hang out or meet up with me. After couple of times trying to meet her,
I gave up because I always had to make initiatives. I feel like they don’t take
this buddy thing seriously. But I’ve seen other students hang out with their
buddies. It really depends on who you get.

Is there anything you’d like others to know about the international

Typography by Destarte—1
students?
I think people should take advantage of learning other’s culture. There are
many things you can learn. Whenever I interact with people here, they seem
they are not really interested in my cultural background. Sometimes, people
here feel like they don’t need to learn about other culture. They are stuck in
their own mechanism so they forget they need to explore other part of world.
There are a lot more to learn about other cultures. My friend who is also an
exchange student takes the international history class but all they talk about
in the class is America. It’s not really international history. We, international
students want our culture to be valued. Sometimes I feel like everything is so
americanized.

Work by Destarte

Typography by Destarte—2

22 26 Bloom Issue 1
 Leila Mnekbi
Country: Tunisia
Major: Computer Science (Exchange student from Lebanon)
Came to the United States in 2019

Destarte Prieto
Poster by Destarte—2

Poster by Destarte—3

International students at VCU 27 28

 “My school, Labanese American University
has a scholarship program. They fund
students in middle east countries to get a full
scholarship to study in the United States.”

What was the biggest difference between where you live and the US?

In terms of the holiday, our holidays are very religious. In Lebanon, there are
18 sects. The main one is Muslim. In Tunisia which is my home country, 99%
of the population is Muslim. We can still choose to believe other religions
though. During most holidays, we take days off and spend time with family
or with a certain group of people. But here, it feels more like a festival, not a
family event. It’s not necessarily happening like a family.

Food is very different. In Tunisia, I mainly eat vegetables, rice, cabbage, and

Leila Mnekbi
other vegetarian food. We also eat halal food but here, I mostly eat port. I’m
fine with eating pork but some of my friends doing study abroad here are
struggling to find halal food because they only eat vegetables. I think there
are not many meal opinions for them. Also, there are lots of international food
here such as Korean, Japanese, Indian and Chinese food. In Tunisia, there is
not a variety of food.

Lifestyle is also one of the differences. I often observe people here and realize
that everyone always has something to do. In Tunisia, people get coffee and
chill before they go to work. We usually have time to relax before our class
or do something. But here, people get up and just start working or doing
something.

What I like about living in the United States is clothing. Everyone has freedom
of what they wear. In Tunisia, people cannot walk around with their Pajamas
because people will judge you. Here, you can express yourself in clothes.

Lebanese American University campus

International students at VCU 29 30 Bloom Issue 1

 “It’s really fun studying here! Living away from my family is hard though.
I like studying here but I wouldn’t want to stay here for the long term.”
Episodes when you felt a cultural difference in the United States.

I felt a cultural difference when I saw homeless people here. They just ask for
money in Lebanon or Tunisia but here, people like talking about their story
not just directly asking for money. I think it’s funny too.

When I go to the house party in Lebanon or Tunisia, we go to the club. But,

people like throwing house parties here. I’ve never been to any house party
before because the house party is not common in my culture. Also, you can
drink when you are 18 in my country but I cannot drink here because I’m
underage. I think it limits my experience in the United States. I want to drink
and get to meet people but I cannot.

Favorite part of living in the United States?

I think I have more options to do what I want. I feel comfortable when I do

something here. In Lebanon, we always have issues with water, Wifi, and other

Leila Mnekbi
things. Here, everything is so easily accessible. You can be more productive
and do things something beneficial for you and society. For example, you
can just search online and book the ticket if you want to travel but, buying
things or booking things online is not common in Tunisia. If you want to buy
something, you actually have to go to the store. Also, mailing and delivery
service is very good here.

Anything that you do not like about this culture?

Most of Americans are not really interested in knowing other culture. I feel like
things are centered in America. Also, Americans are over consuming things.
Since the delivery system is good and fast, people just buy things online and
return if they don’t like it. People just easily get things and consume them.
Sometimes, people tend to consume lots of things unconsciously.

How do you deal with the cultural difference?

The cultural difference doesn’t really affect me that much. I like to observe
and go with the situation. I’m not annoyed or anything.

Have you felt excluded based on your culture?

Not really. There are a lot of people from a different culture.

International students at VCU 31 32 Bloom Issue 1

 Morgan Cluley
Country: England
Major: Graphic Design (Exchange student from England)
Came to the United States in 2019

Do you think VCU has a good community for the international students?

I think so. I think it’s good enough even though we don’t have a chance to get

Leila Mnekbi
to know international students.

Is there anything you’d like others to know about the international

students?

It would be interesting if Americans try to learn a different culture. I hope they

are being more open about diverse culture.

International students at VCU 33 34 Bloom Issue 1

“I was born in England but I grew up in the middle east, Dubai. My
whole family moved to Dubai when I was 6 due to my dad’s job.
I’m originally from Scotland and I went back to England for the
college. I’m studying Graphic Design at the University of the West
England. My school is 2 and a half hours away from London. ”

I came to the United States this January. It’s my first time living here but I
visited as a tourist before. My experience is really different though. When I
visited here as a tourist, I only stayed with my family and British people. I
didn’t really step out of my comfort zone when I was with my people. I think

Morgan Cluley
studying abroad here by myself is really beneficial for me to step out of
comfort zone.

Why did you decide to study in the United States?

In my university, we have to pick 3 different institutions when you are

Poster by Morgan
applying for the exchange program. VCU was actually my second choice.
When I put my exchange study program application, I wanted to experience
an American school life. I have a few friends who are also international
students who lived in the United States and what I hear from them was very
interesting. Here, you can take other elective classes like Anthropology,
English, etc but I could only take graphic design classes in the UK. Exchanging
program is optional in my school. There are 80 people in my major but only 2
people including me applied for the exchange program.

What was the biggest difference between England and the United States?

One major difference is the openness of people here. It’s really common here
that people smile at you and start a conversation. In the UK, you don’t get
that at all. If you smile at someone you don’t know, they will think you are a
weird person. I think it’s a very European thing too. People do not want to let
their guard down. In Dubai, I went to international school but there was still
not the same level of openness. There was no free press in Dubai. It’s not a
democracy yet. You will never hear bad things about the government in the
news. There’s no freedom of speech. In the UK, you have unions for worker’s
right. Last year, a lot of college professors were not getting paid well so
everyone both professors and students refused to go to classes. In order for
people to take action, everyone joins the situation. In Dubai, it’s not allowed
at all. If you do a protest, the government will immediately shut it down.

International students at VCU 35 35 Bloom Issue 1

 Favorite part of living in the United States?

I’ve been able to genuinely take a break from stress. I am able to meet
different people here. I wish I could have this in the UK. Most of my classmates
are white British. Also, we have to go out and conduct more research for our
project in my college. We have a project and it splits into 3 projects which are
very time-consuming. But here, I have had more free time and gone traveled
to different places. I’m planning to meet up with people in art history club at
VCU. I’m having so much fun in the United States.

Anything that you do not like about this culture?

There are a lot of fast-food here. I feel like my diet is getting worse because
it’s so easy to get fast-food but hard to get groceries if you don’t have a car.
When I was in the UK, I didn’t eat out. I only ate out occasionally to just hang
out with people. Food in the UK is really bland. I was definitely happy in Dubai
because there were all different kind of food. I miss Arabic food too. I also
realized that there was no halal food here. That has been a big shock. In the
UK, it’s easier to get halal food if you go somewhere has a diverse population.
i think it’s easy to over consume in terms of food. Drink size is huge here and it
amazes me every time. Also, health insurance is different. In the UK, we have
national healthcare. It’s all free. Anything from contraception to surgeries is
free. If it’s not free, it’s still cheap. Since health insurance is expensive here,
people have to be own doctor here. There are so many different medicines in
Pharmacy. In the UK, you would just go to see a doctor if you are sick.
How do you deal with the cultural difference?
I think having different culture helped in a way because I already experienced

Morgan Cluley
different culture by living in Dubai and England. It was definitely helpful.
Oh, I also drink lots of tea in the UK. I would have to walk half an hour to
I didn’t experience any major cultural difference because everyone in America
get legit groceries in the UK because of not many people in college drive.
speaks English so things are very difficult.
Common English dish is probably Sunday roast. I ate it every Sunday so I’m
kind of sick of eating it haha.
Have you felt excluded based on your culture?
University is easier here. Things are more organized because I know what Not really. I think it’s because I’m white. I don’t get questions like “Where
I need to do. Nothing is confusing or left to open to be interpreted here. are you from” from people here. If I had a distinctive British accent, it might
Professors care if you miss the classes. In the UK, professors don’t care. It is bring up more questions. But I have a mixed accent because I studied at an
common to not see people. We don’t have many critiques. We just need to international school in Dubai.
submit a book and hand in all of our work at the end of the semester. That
is it. We also do not take attendance. Attendance doesn’t affect your grade.
Also, most British students won’t pay tuition upfront. We have a student loan
from the government. When we graduate and get a job, we have to pay off our
student loan. It comes off your salary automatically bit by bit.

Weather in the UK is miserable. There is hardly any sun. When there is a 1-2
week of sunshine, everyone is outside and drinking (you can drink in public in
the UK). A lot of people go out and get drunk when it’s sunny. People sit in the
park and drink. But it’s usually rainy and grey. It’s very rare to have sunshine
in the UK. When I went back to the UK initially, I liked the UK weather but I
don’t like it anymore. No weather change is miserable.

Episodes when you felt a cultural difference in the US.

Drinking age in UK is 18 so whole college culture is centered in drinking. UK

has a real problem with drinking. No one really has a house party. They just go
to club. In the UK, you are easily peer pressed to drink. If I tell my friend that
I don’t want to drink, they would pressure me to drink. A lot of people think Publication by Morgan
you can’t have fun if you are not drunk.

International students at VCU 37 38 Bloom Issue 1

 x

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How’s living as an international student in the United States?

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Overall, it’s a very positive experience. Honestly, it has been the best decision my tate

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I’ve ever made. I’ve been able to get out of my comfort zone and experience ho s is x
me the

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new things. It has been definitely positive experience so far. I don’t know if cou sa
I want to live here though. There are both good things and bad things. I’m ntr me

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interested in studying as a full-time student but tuition is very expensive. But
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I definitely see myself working in America somewhere like New York. Growing

ead
up in a city makes me want to live in a city.

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I change the scale unit from lbs to kg at the gym
Do you think VCU has a good community for the international students?
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I think so. It definitely feels more inclusive than in the UK. In the UK, it’s mainly

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international students to have their own orientation and stick to themselves.
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British people don’t really want to mix with international students. There is we

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have request

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a handful of people from a different culture in my class. Also, the population
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of international students depends on the major too. I study at an art-based “ The v id e o

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campus, I do not interact with people that are not doing a creative course.

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is there anything you’d like others to know about the international n’t k

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students? 70 de

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When I interact with Americans, everyone is very friendly on the surface but renh x

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there is a boundary that you can’t pass. I’m not sure because I’m an exchange e it is c
old o
student. But there is definitely a certain level of superficiality. Americans don’t r war
really care or want to get to know me.
m

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some online payments require a social security number
International students at VCU 39 39 which I don’t have
Bloom Issue 1
 What’s in my suitcase?
by May Park (International student
from Korea)

Clothes Cash & credit card Phone charger Macbook

(don’t bring too much cash) adapter

F-1 visa document

(=I-20 visa)

Passport

Portable charger Sketchbook Laptop with Glasses

charger