Shugofa Dastgeer, a graduate journalism student, searches for materials in the International Student Services office on the University of Oklahoma campus.
by Chase Bryer
Prior to coming to the U.S., Shugofa Dastgeer worked as a famous news anchor for Afghanistan’s biggest media network – TOLOnews. She went from a life of success and fame to a life of pure isolation as an international student plunged into a different culture.
The University of Oklahoma is home to roughly 22,000 students, about 2,000 of who are international students. Migrating from across the globe, these students are given the opportunity to embrace the Sooner state though the International Student Service program.
Dastgeer, a second-year doctoral student, said reporting in war-torn Afghanistan was challenging but nothing compared to the culture shock she felt when she left the comfort zone of her own country.
“I never cried that much. I was a reporter on the news – hard news, not entertainment news,” Dastgeer said. “I used to see those things, and I wasn’t a crying person. But when I came here … everything changed.”
International students must adapt to every way of American culture – including the social classes our society has created.
“Where I’m from, unity of groups are based on religious beliefs, not the color of their skins,” Dastgeer said. “So from very young ages, we are informed that we are humans. That’s the best thing, and we all try … to be a good human. Regardless of your gender, age or ethnicity or race, you have to be a good human.”
Dastgeer expressed her darkest days through poetry.
“Forgotten”
I am forgotten
From myself
From every page of the world’s news
From people’s memories
From the historical incidents in my homeland tonight
I am getting used to
Homesickness
Alienation
Traveling
And, I am full of loneliness and tears
I am forgotten
I am forgotten
Not all international students who come to OU undergo such tough experiences.
Kareem Alkhamees of Saudi Arabia is pursing a graduate degree in petroleum engineering. He also came to the states to experience all the cultural diversity the campus offers. International students should have an open mind on campus and recognize the different limits every culture possesses, he said.
“If they are shy, they shouldn’t be, because if they are they will not be able to live here,” Alkhamees said. “They will just lock [themselves] all day in their home and not be able to talk to anyone.
“Don’t think about any barriers,” he said. “You just have to adapt to it.”
OU strives to make international students feel welcomed. The “Eve of Nations” program encourages the expression of diversity.
Alkhamees said international students should use that program to “spend more time with other cultures.”
But he also advised fellow international students to “stay true to who you are.”
“Bring who you are,” he said. “Don’t try to change any of your culture or ethnic background because here, you will be respected.”
