University of North Alabama - Diorama Yearbook (Florence, AL)

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a z CELEBRATION. Turkish students com- memorate their home country ' s independence day on campus. PARADE OF FLAGS. Deborah Gussoni, born in Italy, carries the the Stars and Stripes, the flag of her mother ' s homeland, in the annual Homecoming parade. PHONE HOME. Banu Elibol calls family in her home countr) ' of Turkey. 15

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Students Survive .. Culture Shock LEARNING THE LANGUAGE. International students take tutoring in order to learn the mechanics of the English language. UNA photo by Shannon Wells I ' m about to, over yonder, carry him to Wal-Mart. All are phrases that are often heard in casual conversation around the South. For many students at the universi- ty, however, they are unfamiliar and not easily understood. Nearly 200 students at the uni- versity come from over 40 different cultures. They come from countries such as Yugoslavia, Egypt, Turkey, Poland, Trinidad, Belgium, and more. Language is not the only cultural barrier for these international students. There are many aspects of the American culture that are quite different from what these students are accustomed to. Eating habits constitute one of the major differences from culture to culture. Turkish students eat dinner late at night, around 10 p.m. Brazihans are used to eating healthful, fresh foods. Sergio Russi, a student from Brazil, said, We have a good climate. We can have three crops a year, so our food is always fresh and healthy. Every country has its own way of preparing its food with differ- ent ingredients or spices, but, as Sergio point- ed out, it all depends on where the country is situated and its resources. Another aspect of culture shock is the musical tastes of the students at the uni- versity. The majority of students listen to alternative rock, or country music. Most of the international students, especially the Turkish students, enjoy techno, or dance club music. Most find it difficult to understand how one can listen to alternative, country, or rap music. Mying-Shim Kim, a Korean stu- dent, pointed out an interestin g difference between American music and the music from his home. Our music doesn ' t have profanity or sexual phrases. Fashion is an issue everywhere; what ' s in and what ' s out. The fashion state- ments seen around campus are a reflection of the person ' s culture. European and Turkish students bring with them a little bit of the European style most Florence citizens have 14 seen only in magazines. One particular differ- ence in fashion is in shoes. Sebastian Calisto said, Here, people wear tennis shoes every day. In Ecuador, we wear them when we need to, like when playing sports. It was also pointed out as somewhat surprising that many students dress up for a football game, but wear socks and sandals to a party. International students find many cul- tural barriers in the U.S. Someone may offer to fix dinner for them, but who broke it? When they don ' t understand the English idioms, they are expected to read between the lines. Many students are confused at first, but catch on quickly, and soon become an integral part of the university ' s cultural diversi- ty- Culture shock is a learning experi- ence for students who fmd themselves sub- mersed in a culture different from their own. It is making the best of living a foreign life. by Anne Beam

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NOIfiES OFF... wkai 18 tdeate t? CAUGHT RED-HANDED. Actor Rick Richey caught by tcllow perform- ers in NoiiCi Off. DRAMATIS PERSONAE. bottom of page) The cast of Nokca O portrays the cast of Nothing On, while bringing all of their personal lives to the stage. Cast List Dotty Otley Kim Fuller Lloyd Dallas Steven Gross Garry Lejeune B.D. Peace Brooke Ashton Ashley Miles Poppy Norton Taylor Macey Raggett Jenny C. Simpson Frederick Fellows Rick Richey Belinda Blair Kelly Ecklund Tim Allgood Mark Spencer Hampton Selsdon Mowbray Collin Martin Understudy Brian D ' Herde