Interview Report

Background:

This interview is about the life of Saudi students in the United states. The interview has questions that show how these students feel about living in the U.S and shows if they are facing any issues with adapting. Also, it shows what these students are thinking about the American culture and provides the interview with information about the difference between the education in Saudi Arabia and the U.S.

Method:

The interview was with one of the Saudi students his name is Ahmed and he has lived in the U.S for four years. Ahmed is studying PHD’s in Computer Science in Florida Atlantic University. The interview was made in his apartment in Boca Raton, Florida because I wanted him to be comfortable about this interview and to let him talk about everything without fear. I used voice recorder and I took notes to record this interview. This interview was on Monday the 17th, 2020.

Interview Transcript:

Abdul: “Hello Ahmed, how are you?”

Ahmed: “I am good, how are you?”

Abdul: “I am good, thank you.”

Abdul: “I am making a research about the Saudi student’s life in the U.S and I have a couple questions that I want to ask you if that’s okay with you?”

Ahmed: “Yeah sure!”

Abdul: “Okay, what do you think about living in the U.S as an international student? How do you feel about that?”

Ahmed: “The U.S. presents a great opportunity for people eager for learning and accomplishment. Throughout my studies at different institutions in the U.S., I have learned a lot in my field as well as in other disciplines. I saw that in myself and in other classmates who came from other countries around the world. We used to take classes together, accumulate our knowledge and experience, and perfect our scores. It is amazing to see what they have accomplished after they graduate and to notice the level of professionalism I achieved along the way, also.”

Abdul: “I see, and Have you faced any problem(s) with adapting in the U.S? If yes, what is/are it/they?”

Ahmed: “After being used to a specific lifestyle back in my home country, I faced some obstacles trying to adapt to life in the U.S. It did not take me much time to grasp the flow of everyday life here in the U.S. One of first challenges I faced, is dealing with public transportation. At the time, I had no previous knowledge or experience, and it cost me time to ask friends about it. After that, It became an everyday process that requires no thinking. ”

Abdul: “Okay, and What do you think about the American culture?”

Ahmed: “I admire the open-mindedness of people, which is inherently in American culture. People are adherent to their culture, and also open to exploring other traditions and cultures.”

Abdul: “What are the differences between the education in Saudi Arabia and the U.S?”

Ahmed: “Although education in Saudi Arabia is not as advanced as education here in the U.S., graduating Bachelor students in the fields of Science and Engineering in Saudi Arabia are comparable if not competent to the graduates of matching fields in the U.S. Officials in Saudi Arabia are trying to raise the level of the outcomes of Saudi universities to match the requirements of the labor market.”

Abdul: “Could you describe a situation in which you felt it’s necessary to be an ambassador for your country?”

Ahmed: “Being an international student in the US has taught me a lot through many situations and occasions. One of the lessons that I learned, is to set a good example of my culture and the country I come from. Whenever I take a new class, I introduce myself to my classmates with my name at first. However, sometimes they get curious about the origin of my name, since it is not so much common. I have made many friends from the US as well as other countries around the world. I always focus on conveying a good image about my country, culture and our tradition. I remember helpful conversations that yielded a deeper understanding of our tradition. That all is added to the help in reviewing and revising course material and preparing for exams. It leaves a good impression about myself and the culture I represent.”

Abdul: “What are the differences between the education in Saudi Arabia and the U.S?”

Ahmed: “”

Abdul: “Has your experience here in the U.S helped you gain an ability to communicate effectively within and among diverse cultural groups? If so, could you cite specific examples?”

Ahmed: “Having friends and classmates representing different cultures from many backgrounds is an eye-opening experience. It stimulates critical thinking and facilitates progress of conversion. During my English language program, I participated in extracurricular activities that involved initiating and continuing conversations with classmates as well as others. Talking with others whom I have barely met in a foreign language gets me out of my comfort zone, however it also forces my brain to be sharp and spontaneous.”