Beyond the Culture Shock: An International Students Perspective on Life in Southern California

There is no better way of getting perceptions of a place than by talking to the people that are new to that environment. The people in this case are international students studying at Cal State University, Dominguez Hills through a program named SEED.

Current SEED students with  their Conflict Resolution
 and Leadership  Professor, Richard Harris.
 Photo by Jocelyn Arana.

SEED is a nonprofit funded USAID Grants. The acronym stands for Scholarships for Education and Economic Development. Although the grant sponsors many students from countries in Central and Latin America, this particular group is made up of 17 primary and middle school teachers from different parts of El Salvador. The SEED students were open to discussing many of the experiences they have had they have had while in their short time here, as well as their impressions of people, culture, and life in Southern California.

The Effects of Culture Shock

Ana Mancia, the president elected amongst the students, says that to her, the high cost of living was part of the culture shock. She says, “Although some things are less expensive in the U.S., there are other things such as food and housing that cost less in El Salvador. I don’t know if it’s just California or the country as a whole, but I would not be able to survive here with my salary back home.” High cost of living is nothing new for Californians, who are used to paying high process for homes, cars, and gas. Ana also mentioned that it was helpful to live in an environment where many people spoke her native language, Spanish. “I thought the language barrier would be a big problem at first, because my English isn’t as fluent as I’d like it to be, but people here are generally open to helping us understand something or giving us directions, if they can. It helped with the adjustment process to be in a place of highly concentrated Spanish speakers.” Because most of the SEED students come from rural parts of El Salvador, many of them did not learn English until their adult life, which can make it difficult to master the language. Many of them mention struggling with communicating with American students and people here in general, but that it is all part of the learning process.

SEED at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Downtown  Los Angeles.
The students have also visited the California Science center, the LA festival of Books,
the Long Beach Aquarium and attended an LA Galaxy game.
Photo by Jocelyn Arana. 

Another student, Armando Elias, says that he missed home the moment he arrived, but says he has tried to remain busy.  “There is so much to do here, there are beaches, the outdoors, museums, shopping centers, great restaurants with every type of food imaginable, and so many cities within Los Angeles County, I want to see as much as I can while I am here.”

These effects the students describe  may be part of what is called the culture shock curve. People who leave their country of origin for an extended amount of time experience a culture shock curve, which expresses the highs and lows of living in a new country.

This chart shows the different stages of cultural adaptation. Many students living abroad  identify similar feelings towards their adoptive country. Image provided by Lilia Sarmiento, Academic Coordinator for the SEED students, who teaches a class on culture shock and adjustment for the students upon their arrival at CSUDH. 

In comparison to life back home, the biggest differences the students see between The United States and El Salvador is the sense of time and the sense of community. They mentioned that life back home, even in big cities like San Salvador, people take it easier than here, take long lunch breaks, and do not usually work as long hours as they do here in America. Jose Lopez, a fourth grade math teacher says, “What surprises me is how fast people live here in their daily lives. They spend a lot of time in their cars, and on their phones. It’s as if they always have somewhere to go or somewhere to be, and punctuality is very important. That concept of time is not the same back home.” He mentioned the fact that many people in his town of Santa Ana, El Salvador are home by dinnertime, or at least by the time it is dark outside. 

Just as they learn about our culture, the students share their culture as well.  Here they are are  the International Student Showcase at CSUDH, performing a traditional Salvadorian dance. Photo by Jocelyn Arana. 

The concept of time is an interesting dynamic that fluctuates in different parts of the world. While some countries, usually individualistic societies, have a strict notion of time and punctuality, collectivistic societies, like Jose’s town in El Salvador focus more on the group rather than the self. They like to eat meals together, are more likely to carpool or ride share to work or school, and have a sense of community where they live.

The SEED group is taking courses in teaching techniques for at risk youth at CSUDH, and they arrived this January and leave mid-June. Although most of them are eager to return home to their families, they all say they are happy to have been able to live this experience and hope to visit Southern California again someday. 

Cultural Performance at Unity Fest is a Hit with CSU Students

Rosa Lopez and Lissette Garcia waiting fot their cue to start.
Photo by Jocelyn Arana

Unity Fest is a yearly event that promotes International clubs on campus, as well as groups of students studying from different countries. It is held on the main lawn at CSUDH, and this year the SEED students were invited to perform a traditional Salvadorian dance for the rest of the students. Third year Engineering student Gustavo Alvarado described Unity Fest as “A multi-cultural event that brings people together by sharing their culture with each other. For the most part, people like to share about where they’re from and their customs.”

The SEED students did three different dances in traditional clothing, which they said held a special place in their hearts because it was usually only worn at special cultural celebrations or occasions back home.

Mirna Lira was one of the coordinators of the dances and said, “We are very proud of our culture and are happy Americans appreciate it. We are more than happy to share with you, and show you more about where we come from. We are representing our country right now.”

There were various ethnic foods for sale, as well as dance and theatrical performances, world music and live bands that added to the entertainment for the day. 

The SEED students at Unity Fest 2013. Photo by Jocelyn Arana. 

Engaging Students Through the Arts

Montebello High School arts teacher, Alex Martinez show the SEED students the importance of a well rounded curriculum.

Workshop leader Alex Martinez helps
students visualize and create.
 Photo by Jocelyn Arana.

The students had a workshop with Montebello High School art teacher, Alex Martinez last week. His theme was engaging students through visual arts. About working with kids and art he says, “It’s a very natural combination. A kid that can understand how to create or build something can apply it to other aspects of life such as problem solving, friends, and family. Art goes beyond paint and canvas; it opens up a new world of possibilities for kids who think they have none.”

Art is an element that the SEED teachers want to incorporate back home in El Salvador. They are hoping to raise money in their communities to support more after school programs that incorporate art and music as part of the learning experience. According to SEED student and language arts teacher, Ana Garcia, “Not everyone is good at the same things that are taught in school like writing or mathematics, art teaches kids that there is room for everyone to shine.”

Photo by: Jocelyn Arana

In Alex’s class, they completed various life drawings and worked with clay as a form of self expression. Next week they will have a workshop on how to make everyday objects using recyclable materials. 

Why Study Abroad?

While there are many experiences that make up a memorable college life, many students do not take advantage of the opportunity to study in a different country. Studying abroad can enrich a student’s college experience and give them a better worldview of society.

This is something the SEED students can associate with, since they are continuing their education in a different country. Most of them had never previously left El Salvador, nor visited the United States. Although they initially experienced a culture shock upon arrival, most of them speak highly about their experience so far. Jesus Ora says of his experience so far, “ I miss my family a lot but the things I am learning here are priceless, I can’t wait to go back and make a difference in own my community. I will take the positive American values I am learning and incorporate them into my life back home.”

Image from educationabroad.com

While the SEED students are all professional, working adults, you can study in a different country in your college years! CSULB has many programs and country options available, go to CSULB Study Abroad Programs for more information, or visit the study abroad office located at Brotman Hall, Room BH 201. 

SEED Students Host Corn Husk Doll Workshop

A finished corn husk doll.
 Photo by Jocelyn Arana

To show their gratitude to their instructors and others who have reached out to them in their time here, the SEED students hosted an arts and crafts workshop, where they made traditional hand painted dolls out of corn husks to. Student Rosa Lopez hosted the workshop, and stated it was a fun activity that brought people together. “I learned how to make the doll in a workshop hosted by a colleague I work at in El Salvador. We gave the dolls to some of the parents who helped us raise money for our school. I thought it would be a nice idea to teach our instructors here something we know, and make something beautiful in the process. ”

Some of the teachers expressed that they would like to have similar hands on activities with their own students in El Salvador, but because of budget constraints and lack of supplies, they do not get to do them often. Lenin Perez, a fourth grade mathematics teacher, says “I would love to be able to have craft days because I feel the students would be more interested in coming to school if they felt it was a fun environment. Because of restraints from our districts or principals, as teachers, we don’t have much of a say in the availability of extracurricular activities."

Students Rosa Lopez, Lissette Montes, and Claudia
Venegas hand painting the dolls. Photo by Jocelyn Arana.

The dolls will be given to the SEED instructors and presenters who have taught at least on class with the group this semester. Some of the dolls will also go to professors at the Montebello school district, for working with the SEED students on classroom observations to their elementary and middle schools.

Students Elect President and Commitees

SEED students held elections yesterday for president of the group, along with representatives for each committee. The students were eager to set committees up since their arrival according to Silvia Castillo, “It helps bring up the morale of the group when ever everyone has something to do, everyone feels needed or important in one way or another.”

The committees being voted on included an executive board, a public relations committee, health, cultural events, and event planning committee. The number of students in the group is relatively small (17) some of them are in two  different committees so that there are enough for everyone to fill at least one position. 

Newly Elected SEED President
 Ana Mancia

Ana Mancia from Santa Ana, El Salvador was elected president by the SEED students . Her duties include mediating meetings, and speaking on behalf of the group to their instructors and program coordinators. Ana is also the first female president selected within the five cohorts that have studies at CSUDH.

Culture plays a big role in the importance of choosing committees amongst the group. According to Carlos Sandoval, “We come from a collectivistic society. We are used to making decisions as a group, whether it be a family unit, a community, or within our school districts. It is seen as selfish for one person to be individualistic or only care for themselves. 

“Hope Has An Address"

SEED visits Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles.

The SEED students had a special field trip yesterday to the headquarters of the largest nonprofit gang intervention, re-hab, and re-entry program in the United States. Homeboy operates through free or low cost sevices and programs, and social enterprises which employ ex gang members; their motto is “Jobs Not Jails”.

The students had a personal tour of the Homeboy facilities and main building, located at 130 W. Bruno ST, Los Angeles, CA 9001. These are known as Homeboy Headquarters, because they provide many other services around Los Angeles, but home base is here. Homegirl cafe is located inside the building, with a fresh selection of breakfast and lunch items available, as well as the Homeboy Bakery, where fresh bread is made twice daily.

Father Greg welcoming the students to Homeboy  Industries.
Photo by Jocelyn Arana 

Father Gregory Boyle, or G Dog, as he is known around Homeboy Headquarters is the man responsible for making Homeboy industries what it is today. As the founder and now best-selling author “Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion”, he works daily to continue expanding the services the program provides, and change lives of many ex-gang members.

     SEED students and father Greg outside of his office.
 Photo by Jocelyn Arana

When asked why he does this kind of work, helping reform gang members, father Greg answered, “Having compassion for others equals peace. I see it as my mission to help as many people as I can while I am here. The gift of giving is very powerful, we can never do it enough.”

Some of the programs Homeboy provides include tattoo removal, job training and placement, legal services, GED completion courses, and mental and drug abuse counseling, among other services. Their mission statement includes: “Homeboy Industries provides hope, placement, and support to formerly gang involved and incarcerated men and women, allowing them to redirect their lives and become contributing members of their community.”

For more information on Homeboy Industries or Father Gregory Boyle, go to homeboyindustries.org

School Site Observations are a Success at Montebello School District

This past week, the SEED scholars have been busy commuting from Carson, CA to Montebello, located near East Los Angeles. The purpose of these trips was to learn new teaching pedagogies from teachers who work with at-risk youth and incorporate those into their classrooms in El Salvador.

The SEED scholars works side by side with the school teachers to develop an effective lesson plan that they could execute back home with their own students. SEED student Yvette Montes says, “I am learning a lot from the techniques primary school teachers use here, in some ways they are similar, but in many ways they are different than what we are used to in El Salvador.”

Fifth grade science teacher, Carlos Portal said “I’ve noticed the idea here is to engage the student in the classroom, through hands-on and interactive experience. Teachers try to make learning fun here and that will help us a great deal back home. Students who are more engaged in school be it through art, literature, or science, will be less likely to drop out and join a gang. That is our objective.”

 The SEED students showed their gratitude for allowing them into their classrooms by putting on a performance in traditional Salvadorian wear at the end of the week, and sharing with the students their own culture and customs. 

 Montebello Elementary school teacher, Victor Solorio,
with various books in english and spanish for his students.
 Photo by Jocelyn Arana

Randy Jurado Guest Lectures for SEED Students

Randy's book about the Salvadorian experience in America.
 Image from randyjuradoertll.com

Salvadorian born writer and political activist Randy Jurado gave a guest lecture for the SEED Students today, and finished with a signing of his book, Hope in Times of Darkness: A Salvadoran American Experience. The students were thrilled to be able to speak with a man who has done so much for the Salvadorian American community especially here in Los Angeles.

Randy recalled many of the obstacles he faced growing up as a first generation son of Salvadorian immigrant parents. He especially touched on growing up amongst gangs and gang members and having to deal with them in and out of school. His book touches on this subject, as well as his journey and life story that led him to do the work he does today.

The students had all read Randy’s book prior to his lecture, and had questions prepared to ask him during his lecture. Primary school teacher Mirna Lira asked, “What are some ways your teachers and parents helped you overcome the influence of gangs in your everyday life growing up?” Gangs and prevention of gang violence are especially of interest to this SEED teachers group, because they deal with them every day.

Student Roxana Clavel gave her reaction to Randy’s presentation, saying “He is very inspirational to us, we look to him to help us better understand the plight that is gang violence back home and how we can help our students overcome the temptation of gangs.” 

You can find more information about Randy Jurado and his work at randyjuradoertll.com.

Cultural Trip To Downtown Los Angeles

As part of their curriculum, it is required that the SEED students go on various cultural activities, including seeing major cities and important cultural sites within Southern California. As international students, the 17 scholars were eager to take their first trip to downtown Los Angeles this past Friday.

Lenin Perez who’s only heard stories about Los Angeles, he says from an uncle who lives here and from Hollywood movies, expressed his reaction to seeing downtown "It is bigger and more alive than I thought it would be, but there are parts of it that remind me a bit of big cities in El Salvador, like San Salvador." 

The students in the Music Center Plaza in Downtown LA.
Photo by: Jocelyn Arana

When asked how experiencing downtown Los Angeles for the first time, SEED student Ana Juarez said, "This city is incredible and much bigger than I imagined. Everything is so modern and fast paced; it’s nothing like where I live. I am making sure to take lots of pictures." Ana is from a rural part of El Salvador, a small town outside of Santa Ana, and explains that as the oldest of 9 kids, she never thought she would be able to take a trip like this. She says she is grateful for SEED for this opportunity.

The students began their tour at the historic Union Station, and made their way down to sites like Olvera Street, Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral, City Hall, and Grand Central Market. Their trip ended with a ride on Angel’s Flight, a historic landmark and functional trolley found at the heart of downtown. 

SEED Students Arrive in California

The selected scholars arrive for the first time to Los Angles, CA. Photo by Jocelyn Arana.

.A group of 17 international scholars arrived in Los Angeles last week, to begin their six month program of study within the CSU system. They are as part of a USAID funded project called the SEED program. These 17 students in particular are all from El Salvador, but previous cohorts have included scholars from Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic.

All 17 are rural primary and middle school educators in their home country. Their purpose here is to learn teaching methodologies to incorporate into their classrooms back in El Salvador. El Salvador is currently facing many problems regarding gangs and gang violence, and many members are recruited at the primary and middle school levels.

Loker Student Union at CSUDH , where the students
 will attend classes. Photo by Jocelyn Arana. 

SEED stands for Scholarships for Education and Economic Development. The program is currently hosted by California State University, Dominguez Hills in Carson, California, and it is the only Cal State so far to host the SEED Program at one of its Universities. Other Schools that have the SEED program in California include community colleges in Modesto and Bakersfield.

Juan Pablo Olivares, one of the 17 students selected for the SEED program says “We are very excited to be here and eager to learn everything we can to help make our classrooms and our country a better place”.  His classmate, Lissette Montes, added “We know we are lucky to be here, it was a long and intense process but we are thankful for all of it”.