Preface

First of all, thanks to Allah SWT because of the help of Allah, writer finished writing
the paper assigment To interviews Indonesian student study abroad right in the calculated
time. The purpose in writing this paper is to fulfill the assignment that given by Mr. Mazrul
Aziz as lecturer in cross cultural understanding. in arranging this paper, the writer trully get
lots challenges and obstructions but with help of many indiviuals, those obstructions could
passed.
writer also realized there are still many mistakes in process of writing this
paper.because of that, the writer says thank you to all individuals who helps in the process of
writing this paper. hopefully allah replies all helps and bless you all.the writer realized tha
this paper still imperfect in arrangment and the content. then the writer hope the criticism
from the readers can help the writer in perfecting the next paper.last but not the least
Hopefully, this paper can helps the readers to gain more knowledge about culture in English
speaking countries.

Bemgkulu , November 29th, 2017

author

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 CONTENT
PREFACE ........................................................................................................................1

CONTENT ........................................................................................................................2

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION

A. BACKGROUND .......................................................................................................3
B. THE OBJECTIVE .....................................................................................................4
C. THE DATA ................................................................................................................4

CHAPTER II DISCUSSION

A. YUNITA PURNAMA SARI(ENGLAND)

1. ADJUSTMENT .............................................................................................5
2. COMMUNICATION .....................................................................................6
3. SOCIALIZATION .........................................................................................6
4. DIFFICULTY ................................................................................................6
5. CULTURE .....................................................................................................7
6. SOLUTION....................................................................................................7
7. MUSLIM LIFE ..............................................................................................8
B. ALIVIA ALFIARTY(NEW ZEALAND)
1. EXPERIENCE ...............................................................................................9
2. DIFFICULTY ................................................................................................10
3. SOLUTION....................................................................................................10
4. CULTURE .....................................................................................................10
5. SOCIALIZATION .........................................................................................11
C. TAMMI PRASETYO(AUSTRALIA)
1. CULTURE .....................................................................................................11
2. ADJUSTMENT .............................................................................................12
3. IMPRESSION ................................................................................................12
4. MUSLIM LIFE ..............................................................................................13

CHAPTER III CONCLUSION

A. CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................14
B. SUGGESTION ....................................................................................................14

ATTACHMENT ....................................................................................................................15

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 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

A. BACKGROUND
Cross culture understanding is an understanding of culture, which encompasses a culture
of foreign culture, which teaches about the meaning of difference, which makes me
understand that the change is beautiful. I realize that every culture has its own uniqueness.
In fact, it is often contradictory In one culture a certain attitude is acceptable, but in
another culture it is not. Cross culture understanding also provides a broad understanding,
how important it is to understand it,A science that teaches about the value of human
values, differences, cultures, languages, and life in cultures that I do not know yet. this is
also a starting point to get to know each other not only the eye but the whole person of
someone who is different from the cultural background.
The intention of this paper is to explain the importance of cross cultural
understanding in learning languages. In learning any languages, besides learning to
master the four skills namely speaking skill, listening skill, writing skill and reading
skills, learners are also expected to master about cross cultural understanding. They need
to know properly the culture of the country and the people where the language is from.
Cross cultural understanding simply refers to the basic ability of people to recognize,
interpret and correctly react to people, incidences or situations that are open to
misunderstanding due to cultural differences. That’s why, the fundamental intention of
cross cultural training is to equip the learner(s) with the appropriate skills to attain cross
cultural understanding.
in this connection it is this the assigment paper who interview students who study in
the English-speaking countries will be very helpful in knowing the culture in the country
based on their experience, so it is very important for students who will study abroad, or to
work abroad especially in English-speaking countries. this paper assignment is very good
and very important for students who are studying cross culture understanding.

B. THE OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this paper assignment is as follows:
1. to fulfill the paper assigment of Cross Cultural Understanding

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 2. to find out how the difficulties of Indonesian students who study in an English-
speaking country
3. to know how the culture in the English-speaking country
4. to know the life of Indonesian students who study abroad
5. so when we study in the English-speaking country, we do not experience culture
shock because we already have knowledge.

C. THE DATA
in this paper assignment, I successfully interviewed 3 Indonesian students who are studying in
English-speaking countries, including English, New Zealand and American. as for the profil of
each of the students is:
1. THE FIRST INFORMANT
Name : Yunita Purnama sari
Name of University : Newcastle University
Location : Newcastle upon tyne,tyne and wear,England, UK.
Field of studying : Food and Human Nutrition
Semester : 7 (seventh semester)
Student Number : 130337146

2. THE SECOND INFORMANT

Name : Navila Roslidah
Name of university : University of southampton
Location : Southampton,England
Field of studying : Modern Languages, Applied Linguistics
Semester : Graduate

3. THE THIRD INFORMANT

Name : Tammi Prasetyo
Name of University: The Australian National University
Location : Australian Capital Territory,CANBERRA,Australia,
Field of Studying : Master of Public Policy
Semester :2

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 CHAPTER II

DISCUSSION

A. INTERVIEW RESULT
In this interview assignment I have successfully interviewed four Indonesian students
who have been or are currently studying in an english speaking country consisting of two
people from england, and others from australiadan and new zaeland. As for the results of
my interview with them is as follows.

1. YUNITA PURNAMA SARI (ENGLAND)

 Adjustment
in her adaptation to the England environment and the people around her.she always
observes their culture, habits and attitudes to make sure she does something right. In
addition she asks her English friends if she does not understand the brithis culture. After
she observes the culture and customs there she begins to understand and then practice it
so that it will become her habit as well and now she is very comfortable there with the
English culture. Mrs. yunita gives an example of one of their habits in england.
"For example, britain always say" sorry "and" thank you "for everything.
So, I practice it to say it every time I interact with people and it becomes my habit now.
The Englishman will also hold the door if there is someone behind them. So I just need to
do the same thing.I practice all good habits until I feel comfortable doing it "that's the
way mrs. yunita in adjusting to the environment there.

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 Communication
in communicating with the people of Britain, to start their conversations Using common
topics for the first conversation, for example talking about the weather and then we will
find something interesting to talk to. Mrs. yunita tells us that the English people actually
want to know more about other cultures, so according to yunita in communicating with
them talk about interesting things about Indonesia and ask also about British culture. he
also told me that Sometimes, we should approach them first because not all English
people will talk to talk to us first. So it's important that we start a conversation, do not
wait until they talk to us.

 socialization issues
While in the socialization mrs. yunita difficulties because It is not easy to socialize
with brithis people because most English people like to go clubbing and it is certain
because she is Muslim, she does not like it but she still appreciate them Because it is a
culture of British people. Therefore mrs. yunita sometimes it's easier to socialize through
joining the community on campus because you will meet with people who have in
common with you. But she still socialize with the environment and other English people
not only campus, only when the socialization has been directed in a direction that
according to her negative, mrs. yunita not follow it.

 Difficulty
While being in campus mrs. yunita did not experience any significant difficulties. in the
matter of friendship Not too. But maybe it's easier to find friends in Indonesia because
British students already have their own circle or group. So it takes a little longer for us to
be close to them. However, when we have met and befriended someone who is single-
minded, single-minded and comfortable, we can be very close. Because the people there
strongly uphold friendship. for meal problems mrs.yunita no trouble Because there are
many halal restaurants there. And to get Indonesian food, they have a lot of special events
of Indonesian students who study in English, where the event provides a lot and variety of
Indonesian food. In addition they can also order Indonesian food from Indonesian people
who live there. Because many Indonesians who live and work sell food there.

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 Culture
according to mrs.yunita culture there is very interesting to learn. Starting from the culture
of clothes that when dressed look relaxed but still neat. So Mrs. yunita also follow their
dress style and adapted to the season there. The Britain are very friendly and helpful so do
not hesitate to ask. Culture in bombshell with english also attracts mrs.yunita, as
mrs.yunita say if you want to start a chat or greet them enough with handshake and ask a
general thing like their news today. While in the English way of eating is to use a fork
with a left hand and a knife with the right hand. If you have finished eating, show it by
pulling the knife and fork to the right of our plate. From what has been observed and
naturally, mrs. yunita informed me that the English citizens really appreciate the time so
if we have events come on time. And many more cultures and habits of people britis.
during ybun yunita diinggris, he did not experience culture shock, she handles all things
there pretty well. Because before she was sent to study English, she was preparing for life
in the UK. SHe has learned how the culture, habits, behavior of the English so that when
she arrived in the UK he was not surprised by the culture of people there that is very
contrary to the culture of Indonesia.

 Solution overcome
all problems such as weather, language, food, friends are the first problems that any
outsider has to have after arriving there. So the solution to solve the problem is for
example, as we know the weather is very cold. So mrs. yunita used to exercise outside
and made her body adapt to cold weather so that in winter mrs.yunita is more adaptable
because she is used to it. where as for language and communication problems, she
overcame it with a lot of chatting with people there and he often asks strangers on the
street just to ask for directions to practice his language. It's a little difficult to
communicate with brithis people because their English accent a little hard to understand
but with us a lot of practice then time by time goes by our English will be good.
for mrs. yunita food problem is not picky in eating. so it was not difficult for her to adjust
to britain food. Mrs. yunita gives tips if there is "Being good for everyone will make you
easier to meet new friends. Always smiling and starting a conversation will make them
think that you are friendly."
 Muslim life in England
In fact, she has a blog where she writes about life as a Muslim in Britain and about
Ramadan there. He also wrote down his experiences in the UK. Like one of his links
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 given about Muslim life there for me to understand more about living as a Muslim there.
http://www.suarasurabaya.net/puasakita/news/2016/173408-Navila:-No-Difficult-It's
Soon-19-Jam- in- England. Below is the content of his blog.

Living as a Muslim in the UK

14 June 2016

Assalamu’alaikum
Many people asked me to share a story about being a Muslim in Britain. Is it hard to do salah
(praying)? Is it hard to find and eat halal food? What about the local culture?

Well, the answer is both hard and easy

Salad
Being asked about the praying matter, I can only say that it depends on individuals since it
has something to do with our desire to do it or not, lol. When there is no will to do it, we will
easily say: it is really hard to do!
Several months ago, in September to be exact, I arrived in England to continue my study. Of
course, at the beginning, I was confused where the Qibla direction is. The first attempt that I
did was installing some mobile apps that can show me the direction. At that time, I tried to
combine several apps to make sure that I face the right direction when I’m praying. Okay, it
is easy to do praying at home since I can perform wudu (a ritual of washing (ablution) several
parts of our body before praying) well and have a proper place to pray. However, it becomes
really hard to do it outside (since I was a newcomer at that time). In the first week, due to an
outside activity, I did my prayer on the riverside park with my coat as a mat because I didn’t
know more proper place to do it around that area (Muslim needs to do prayer 5 times a day
and there is also the prescribed times to do it Fajr—near dawn, Zuhr—just after midday,
Asr—late afternoon, Maghrib—just after sunset and Isha—after dark). I did wudu with a
bottle of still water that I brought, fortunately, I brought my prayer clothes. The week after, I

finally found several mosques around the city centre. Alhamdulillah

In campus, I can do prayer in a more than decent Muslim prayer room. We, Muslim, are well-
facilitated by our campus so that it is really easy to pray even we still has a lecture.
Sometimes, I just leave the class for a moment to do it in the prayer room because we don’t

have much time in winter since the daytime is shorter but in summer, we have a longer
daytime which is really convenient to wait until the class is over. Well, I can say that where

there’s a will there’s a way, InsyaAllah

Halal Food
Southampton is one of the cities around the UK that has less halal food (compared to other
big cities with more Muslim population). However, that is not the reason to prevent me to

find halal food Before coming here, I have thought about it and prepared some canned
sardines from Indonesia and in my first week in the UK, I bought and ate fruits and fish only
lol. After being accustomed to the transportation here, I started to visit several places around
campus and city centre. Alhamdulillah, I found halal Turkish restaurant near campus and
some other halal restaurants Okay, I found some restaurants yet I still want to make my own
meal :p As recommended by my previous lecturer who has been in the UK before me, I went
to a supermarket that provides halal meat as well, and found it! Halal meat and chicken!

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There is one special section for halal stuff in supermarket, alhamdulillah once more, where
there’s a will there’s a way
Local Culture
Well, I’m a student in a multicultural classroom. The way we interact and socialise, of
course, is different. After several weeks of our study, some of my local friends asked the
member of the class to chill out in the university pub. The time suggested was also really late
in the evening. I can turn down the first invitation (sorry about it guys :p) but I couldn’t bring
myself to do it when another one is coming so, I tried to explain my condition about being a
Muslim I am forbidden to drink alcohol and any food contains it. Besides that, I am only
allowed to eat halal food (no pork! For other kinds of meat are allowed if halal-slaughtered)
Fortunately, my friends are really considerate and the next time we are going out, we always
choose the convenient time for everyone, and of course, convenient restaurant with halal food
or vegetarian meals. Once more! We only need to try
It is easy or not is just a matter of our will and effort. The good thing about being Muslim in
the UK, for me, I began to realise that while in Indonesia I was too careless. I feel secure and
comfortable with everything supplied, especially food, without having further consideration
about the food I consumed, is it halal or not? Are those chicken or beef sold in the market are
halal (halal-slaughtered)? Well, I don’t know Here, in the UK, I need to be more careful
before buying food, even for chocolate, I need to look at the ingredients first. Thanks, MUI
(Indonesia’s top Muslim clerical body) who always try to make sure that Indonesian people
eat halal food. I hope that the examination for food and any other things in Indonesia is done
regularly so that it can help as on the assurance of halal food we eat
Wallahu a’lam bishawab

2. ALIVIA ALFIARTY ( NEW ZEALAND)

 Experience and difficulties

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 Mrs.alivia has the most precious experience ever. SHe felt very fortunate to be able to
continue her studies there, at the University of Canterbury. There she worked with a
professor who was an expert in the field of research. he has access to work in world-class
laboratories. And most impressive is the mrs.alivia research project funded by the
company. SHe hopes that her research can be commercialized. while the difficulties
experienced by mrs.alivia are the language and construction project . Her word Although
she has good grades on IELTS, she still finds it hard to communicate in English. she has
no problem with writing. But Sometimes she finds it difficult to understand the Kiwi
accent (Kiwi is a call for native New Zealanders). But her biggest problem is talking.
That's because she always thinks of grammar rules and it really slows him down in
communicating.
Another difficulty is the construction project. there has a lot of construction projects at
her university today and this often interferes with her research schedule. Lots of power
shut down and relocation. Good thing about NZ is its beautiful scenery. The city is really
comfortable to live in. Public facilities are available in various ways. The trouble is the
earthquake. sHe is always afraid every time she feels an earthquake. Lucky she lived in a
new building, well designed, and earthquake resistant.
 Solution
To solve the problem of communicating, mrs.alivia keeps practicing, they often hold
weekly meetings where they have to present the progress of their work. she often
discussed with her colleagues and joined several student clubs to meet new friends and
have conversations. So she can increase her language skills.
on campus she followed many organizations to increase her experience there are
Friendship operations organization, UC student association, AIESEC, CAPE student
association, NuSA. http://ucsa.org.nz/clubs/find-a-club/. To organize between work, and
college she should be able to manage time as she works every working day from 8 am to
5:30 pm. and Over the weekend and after hours, he can get involved with club activities.

 Culture
The culture there according to mrs.alivia is nice. The people of new zaeland are very
friendly. They always obey the rules such as not throwing garbage in the wrong place, no
jaywalking, safety driving, prioritize pedestrians .. New zaeland community likes to tell
about their culture and very proud because it is new zaeland has a history of culture and
beauty is extraordinary . When we visit we must bring something like flowers, chocolate
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 etc. They are very neat and clean. sHe does not think of having a culture shock when she
gets there because she thinkss he has the same habit since before she came.

 socialization
in socializing mrs.alivia do not get into trouble All of them good.she often joined the kiwi
picnic group. And the kiwi is very friendly so she has no problem with socializing with
them. As for friendship she lives with jamaica boy and a nepal boy. Both are good
friends. he often hung out with some of his colleagues as well. She lives in an apartment,
along with three others.

3. TAMMI PRASETYO (AUSTRALIA)

 Culture
Speaking of the culture, according to Mrs.tammi Australia and Indonesia have different
cultures from different aspects. But there is very common to say greetings to people, say
"how are you?", After meeting new people saying "nice to meet you" and also say "thank
you" when someone helps you. They are also really on time, especially with time and
people who work hard. She feel comfortable with this culture because all good people to
her so far. However, it is important to stick to your values or principles. Because the
culture there as well as American is individual free. The people there drink lots of
alcohol, men and women live together but not married, but according to mrs.tammi it is
not strange because there their culture is like that is different from Indonesia. While there

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 she has never experienced a cuture shock because before she left there she was preparing
herself for her knowledge of culture and life in Australia.

 adjustment
In conformity mrs.tammi tells me that Initially difficult to adjust especially when you
come from big city like Jakarta and live in small town like Canberra because canbera is
one small town in australia. But as time goes by, mrs.tammi is not difficult to adapt there.
Provided According to her As long as you open yourself up with a new culture and accept
it.
Whereas in the case of socialized mrs.tammi did not experience difficulties Because she
is a study there and in her school majority of students come from Asia and Africa
region, so she mostly gather with them. But she also has some Australian friends from
work (coming home) and knowing and socializing from social events.
in her female friendship relationship Just like any other friendship. Full of laughter and
in-depth conversations about life and certain issues (politics, social, etc.). sHe can say that
she was lucky enough to find a friend who supported him there to help him know women
in Canberra better.

 first impression
first impression mrs.tammi while living there is Because she lives in Canberra. a very
small town in Australia with a small population. So there's a really lonely one. But
Canberra is a nice city with a good environment (less pollution, less traffic). For there
mrs.tammi does not have much trouble either in the campus environment or in the
neighborhood.

 Muslim life in australia

she tells the women that the life of the Muslims there is fine. We may hear many
racist stories everywhere. But in Canberra so far he has never heard of any racist stories.
For food problems Many halal food is available there because the Muslim community is
also numerous in Australia. And for places of worship There are two great mosques in
Canberra.
he personally has a pleasant experience about her appearance as a muslim woman. She
told me an event that happened one day. One day, when mrs.tammi was waiting for the
bus, a man approached her and the man said something heart-warming " I believe that
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 Muslims are good people, good to believe in God I hope you do not have a bad thing here
". as that's what he said, according to mrs.tammi It was very warm and reinforced not to
feel inferior like a minority here (this happened the second week after he arrived in
Canberra). Mrs.tammi believes, as long as you are good and good for others. They will
also be kind and kind to you.

 message
according to mrs.tammi As an Indonesian student, it is important to be the best version of
yourself. Because your actions and attitudes will represent other Indonesians living here.
She told me that Indonesian students who are going to study abroad are studying to
pursue experience, not just learning and looking for value, but we have to open
relationships, be open minded, stick to values and principles.

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 CHAPTER III

CONCLUSION

A. CONCLUSION

I think from the results of interviews that I have done with some speakers from
various countries can be concluded and it is known that the foreign culture is very
different from Indonesia in sharing everything from greeting culture, eating culture, facet
of clothes and others such as greeting culture, if diindonesia when we greet our people is
excessive while in america, english or australia when want to say hello enough to give a
smile. that's what all my informants experience. they say that the countries where they
study each are almost the same culture that is free living culture, such as drinking alcohol,
living together but not married, free sex and others but it is not a strange thing because it
is their culture. mrs.yunita, mrs.alivia, mrs.tammi, the three of them have the same
opinion that they do not feel at all bizarre or disturbed by the culture of the people of their
country, because they have prepared themselves with the knowledge of the culture of the
people there studying cross culture understanding. So when they arrived and lived in the
country they did not experience culture shock.

B. SUGGESTION
I think from the results of my interviews with the speakers, viewed from their lives and
the difficulties they experience, what we should do if we want to study abroad is the
preparation of ourselves and our knowledge of life and culture abroad that is the way we
must learn cross cultural understanding (CCU) all the knowledge we need for how to live
abroad is at CCU. because with our first study of foreign culture where we will study,
when we study there we do not experience culture shock.

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ATTACHMENT

1. the first informant, Yunita Purnama Sari

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16
2. The second informant, Alivia alfiarty

3. The third informant, Tammi Prasetyo

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prasetyo.tammi@gmail.com

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