Experience in studying in the United States: Don't say "that" to blacks.

To study abroad, TOEFL has to face cultural shock, forced changes in living habits and working environment, all of which must be faced by itself. If you can stick to it and get involved, it will be a precious experience. Before the prospective international students are about to bid farewell to their families' homeland and cross the ocean, they may gain something by listening to the advice of newcomers and experts. This feature is a series of reports, followed by "Japan and Canada" and "France and Australia", so please pay attention.

"Don't point at black people and call them' that'"

Zhuang Ruiguang Zhuang Ruizhou 19 years old, currently studying at Southern Adventist University.

When I first met Rui Guang and Rui Zhou, I couldn't tell that they were twins, but they were the closest brothers. From elementary school to junior high school, they went abroad to study in high school, and now they study in the same university in the United States, and they have never been separated from each other.

After graduating from junior high school, the two brothers went abroad and attended high school in Palau Christian College. A year ago, they were admitted to Southern Adventist University. My brother Ruiguang studies computer, and my brother Ruizhou studies business administration. Because they received special language training in high school, it was not a problem to communicate with the locals when they first arrived in the United States. "The most uncomfortable thing is loneliness. At first, I chatted with my dad online or on the phone almost every day. " Ruiguang recalled, "But I gradually made many friends and only talked to my father once a month."

Southern Adventist University is a Christian school with strict management of students. Unlike other American universities, the religious atmosphere is very strong. Students should go to church 14 times a semester at least. Every Friday, they should do evening prayers, wear suits and ties, and usually go to the small auditorium for worship on Saturday, which lasts from morning to afternoon. You must be very careful what you say at school. You should always be careful not to violate religious taboos. "There are many black people over there, and there are many places that need our attention, otherwise it will cause misunderstanding carelessly. For example, the name' that (that)' should never be said to black people. If you point to a black man and call him' that man (that)', it shows that you have extreme disrespect for him, which may lead to disaster. " Ruiguang laughed.

However, his younger brother, Ruizhou, experienced something that made him feel extremely embarrassed because of the difference in thinking modes between the two countries. "At that time, on the plane, the plane was about to land. It was inconvenient for me to carry my luggage, so I took a photo of a person next to me and asked him for help. After the man helped me take my luggage down, he said to me: Don't say' hi', say' sorry' (don't just say' hi', say' sorry').

"Because of religious beliefs, meat is not allowed, so the meat in the hamburger is replaced by bread. Sometimes I want to eat meat, so I go to school with my roommates to buy it and then secretly bring it back to the dormitory to eat. " When it comes to school meals, Ruiguang is helpless.

In addition, the two brothers have repeatedly reminded friends who want to study in the United States to pay attention to safety. "American law allows individuals to carry guns. Every day, four or five people are killed or injured by shootings and stay at home at night. Don't wander around if you have nothing to do. "