Why do college students from Japan [attending American colleges] refuse to interact with American students?

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I've gone to college with many Japanese exchange students, as well, and there are a few things that I'll note:

-First, many of them "study abroad" just for a vacation. A lot of them are wealthy, and sometimes their courses do not transfer credit to their home institutions (some have completed their studies in Japan before studying abroad), so they come to America to party and have a vacation. This is not all of them, but I know some universities who receive MANY of these exchange students.

-A lot of exchange students from Japan (and other Asian countries) are very self-conscious about their skills in English, so they cluster with other Japanese people, because they can communicate freely and they won't be judged. Although you may be friendly, a lot of Americans are not interested in Asia and do not care to understand Asian culture, so they can make fun of them. (This happens more to Asian students than European ones) For example, some people have said that Koreans speaking English sound "like retarded people". If that is said about you, it would be very difficult to become comfortable speaking to English-speakers. Many Americans are also not patient enough to be friends with a foreign student, because it takes extra effort sometimes to understand one another. Anytime effort is involved in a relationship, a lot of people bail out.

-One note about your feeling of "being used" by those who want to practice English is that, although it is definitely possible for them to only go to you for English help and not as a friend, it also occurs sometimes that tutors do become friends, because the Japanese people feel like someone who is willing to help them with their English will be patient with them and not make fun of their speech. My university had a club for people learning Japanese and interested in Japanese culture. Some of the Japanese exchange students would come to the club to meet Americans, because they felt more comfortable talking to people who seemed to be patient and non-judgmental in regards to their language skills and behaviors. Places like these are potentially good places to meet Japanese who are not confident but still hope to make American friends.

(Americans who study abroad in Japan often hang out with other Americans, or other people who speak English, like Australians, Brits, etc. Spanish-speakers often do it in America, but more Americans speak Spanish, so they are not on their own. It's easier for speakers of European languages to find people familiar with their culture and/or language. It is not just Japanese/Asians.
Also, a lot of Americans that go to Japan do what I've listed in the first note: party and vacation. They often go to Japan to drink, party, have sex, etc. (Actually, people who study abroad in Europe are typically worse) Many people who study abroad go home without any meaningful experiences or new knowledge about the country they spent a year in.)...Show more

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Why do college students from Japan [attending American colleges] refuse to interact with American students?
I attend a 2 year college here in Washington State. We have many students from Japan who come to America to learn English and study our ways. As an American student, I'm eager to work with these students, since I've always had an interest in their culture and language.

It is just......Show more

I know what you are talking about. I've seen those kids over and over and everywhere on the campus. We called them, "Bunches" because they all bunched up with same Japanese buddies all the time. I've never seen them trying to interact with other students from other countries or Americans. I think they are shy and too afraid that no one will understand their English. Most of the Japanese 'bunches' who talk and play only with Japanese were the exchange students who only stay for a few months to study English. Their Japanese school was the sister college to mine in U.S. Other Japanese students I saw came to persuade their degrees in U.S. were more outgoing and made friends with Americans and other students from other counties. It was unfortunate that they didn't enjoy the time in U.S. with other people. I must wonder why the school even want to spend the money to be wasted. They attend the classes and go back to dorm room and play with other 'bunches' and drink in the evening. It's a shame. I hated these people because I was also a Japanese student who came to study (I didn't come from the same school as these kids, though.), and saw these people doing the exactly the same thing they do in Japan. The other Japanese students who came individually weren't interact with these "Japanese bunches" also, because it is just a waste of time. There are so many things you can learn from each other. Why you want to waste the perfect opportunity? I don't get it....Show more

Your story was very interesting to me. I worked in a college as the International Student Director and met a lot of students from Japan. ALL the Japanese students expressed to me their desire to make friends with the American students. Some were more successful than others, but it was compelling to hear your side of the story.

I recommend that you join your school's International Student Club. If none exists, then start one! The only students who will join will be those who have a desire to interact with people from other cultures. You might wish to invite the group of students from Japan and tell them a bit about it.

Speak to your college's International Student Adviser. he/she will gladly welcome your assistance for such a club.

I admire your ability to be open to students from cultures different from your own. That is a GREAT characteristic. However, here are some reasons why certain individuals might not embrace your invitations:
They are shy
They are so overwhelmed with learning English that when they make time for relaxing, they want to do so in their native language.
They are not very interested in other cultures (this is pretty rare, but possible)

Good luck!...Show more

Sounds like the Japanese students at your school have a bit of adapting to do to the US culture. On the other hand, I think it will be useful for you to know that aggressive/confrontational approach rarely works with Japanese. They are shy and generally prefer to 'let the relationship grow naturally' so to speak.

If you are interested in the Japaneses culture and language, asking them questions is probably a good way to start a conversation. I remember that when I was learning English, it was a lot easier to ask/answer questions than to have a small talk.

As for 'frightening' comment, I think she might have meant that she feels intimidated, rather than you are frightening. That happens when you're speaking in a foreign language - you try to say something but don't know how to say it exactly....Show more