There are a lot of international students from the Middle East and Eastern Asia at my university too, only I live in Canada instead of Europe. The class sizes are relatively small at my uni so it's easy to get to know the other students.
I've noticed there are two types of international students: the ridiculously wealthy kids who think they are better than everyone because of their wealth, and the less affluent kids who came here on their own merits to broaden their experiences. The rich ones are not friendly and they don't take their classes seriously because they're only here to have a good time without the watchful eyes of their families on them, and then they'll leave. They will get their 'real' education in their own country.
Then there are the less wealthy international students who want to have an authentic experience. They don't necessarily adapt to the local culture, and I don't think they should have to. However, they are polite and friendly to the other (domestic) students, and they do try to do their best in their classes.
I think you might find American students studying abroad could fit into similar categories; ones that don't care to adapt the local culture and those that do. You are probably one of the ones who do care and I bet you have met several others who are like you too. Good for you, you reflect well on your country when so many other people don't.
I completely agree with you, but I would add a few things. Maybe it is different because this is Europe, but wealthy people do try to learn the local culture as well in general. We do have the rich kid type you described though, but they are not that common.
Among the less wealthy I would separate them into two categories as well, the ones who come for their academic merits and the ones who come as opportunists. I have had many classmates of the later type; people who come to "study", but actually spend all their time doing little jobs or trying to find cracks in the system to earn more money and be the least time possible at school.
And finally, about Americans... I would say that most come with a narrow mentality, but eventually become a little more down to earth. At least among my American friends, we always make fun on how they used to act back in the States (I am actually Latinamerican). Personally, I had a hard time adapting here too, but it was a little easier for me, because I came with my parents, so I always have to be on my best behavior.
IIN for people not to adapt to the local culture while abroad?
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I think you've come across a few jerks.
There are a lot of international students from the Middle East and Eastern Asia at my university too, only I live in Canada instead of Europe. The class sizes are relatively small at my uni so it's easy to get to know the other students.
I've noticed there are two types of international students: the ridiculously wealthy kids who think they are better than everyone because of their wealth, and the less affluent kids who came here on their own merits to broaden their experiences. The rich ones are not friendly and they don't take their classes seriously because they're only here to have a good time without the watchful eyes of their families on them, and then they'll leave. They will get their 'real' education in their own country.
Then there are the less wealthy international students who want to have an authentic experience. They don't necessarily adapt to the local culture, and I don't think they should have to. However, they are polite and friendly to the other (domestic) students, and they do try to do their best in their classes.
I think you might find American students studying abroad could fit into similar categories; ones that don't care to adapt the local culture and those that do. You are probably one of the ones who do care and I bet you have met several others who are like you too. Good for you, you reflect well on your country when so many other people don't.
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I completely agree with you, but I would add a few things. Maybe it is different because this is Europe, but wealthy people do try to learn the local culture as well in general. We do have the rich kid type you described though, but they are not that common.
Among the less wealthy I would separate them into two categories as well, the ones who come for their academic merits and the ones who come as opportunists. I have had many classmates of the later type; people who come to "study", but actually spend all their time doing little jobs or trying to find cracks in the system to earn more money and be the least time possible at school.
And finally, about Americans... I would say that most come with a narrow mentality, but eventually become a little more down to earth. At least among my American friends, we always make fun on how they used to act back in the States (I am actually Latinamerican). Personally, I had a hard time adapting here too, but it was a little easier for me, because I came with my parents, so I always have to be on my best behavior.
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I think, when it comes down to it, every culture has their good-guys and their assholes, and some of those assholes like to travel.
The world is getting smaller so people are going to have to start being more tolerant whether they want to or not.