How to make friends with an American High School teens? Help! I'm a foreign exchange and looking for friends!?
I'm a foreign exchange student from Indonesia who right now currently live in Utah,USA. American high school is pretty much different from high school back there in my country and right now I'm kinda having a hard time to make friends with people. Do you guys have any advice how to make friends with an American? Because teens here tend to be ignorant and actually I don't have any idea what to talk to with teens here or any topics that I have to talk to. Thanks. Appreciate it
Studying Abroad - 3 Answers
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1 :
Research the Fonz. Be like him.
2 :
In america we like talking about how hard our lives are. Like not in a dramatic way, just a sarcastic way. Start a conversation with, "Dude, Im so tired" or "My english teacher is crazy" and then over exaggerate what happens. Also use as many cheesy puns as necessary to gain attention, if you establish yourself as the funny kid from another country people will love you. At least everyone in San Diego area would. Hope this helps.
3 :
First, your attitude will not help you! "Because teens here tend to be ignorant" You think they don't know that you view yourself as superior? Of course they do. Contrary to what you believe, teens here are NOT ignorant. Well, some are, but I bet the percentage of ignorant teens in YOUR country is just as high! You probably just don't go to school with them or associate with them. Here in the U.S., our schools must educate EVERYONE, regardless of ability or motivation. I've hosted and repped exchange students for 14 years now and I can't tell you the number of times I've seen that attitude displayed! So, can the attitude! That's your first start. In canning the attitude, be respectful and friendly. You do NOT have to agree with everything and like everything, but do make sure that people know you appreciate the opportunity to be here and that you are learning things! Participate! Join a club, a sports team, the band, choir -- something! Teen life in the U.S. tends to revolve around school and church -- and those are usually intermixed. Invite! Don't just sit back and wait for people to call you. Why don't you call them? Cook an Indonesian dinner and invite some friends over. As to what to talk about? Pay attention to what's going on around you. How did the football team do Friday night? What was the latest dumb thing a celebrity or politician said? What movie do you want to see? What did you watch on TV last night? How about the last test that teacher so-and-so gave? Ask your host family for help! That's what they are here for! If they don't know you're having difficulties, they can't help! Maybe they can arrange for a student or two to "mentor" your for a month or so -- we have that program set up in our school. Our kids "meet" them through e-mail, MSN, etc. before they even arrive. Good luck and hang in there -- this can be difficult, but it can also be a great experience if you work at it!
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