Cross-Cultural Encounter - Reece Wadle

            It was the day after move-in here at the University of Iowa, and I seemed to be all settled in.  I was tidying up a few last minute things when I received a text from a friend.  He had just finished moving in. 

“Come to Stanley,” he said.  “You’ve gotta see my living situation.” 

Hmmm, I thought to myself.  What could possibly be so different about his situation?

“I’ll be over in 10,” I replied.  As I was walking over, I texted him again.  “What’s your room number?” 

He responded, “Third floor lounge.” 

Lounge? I thought.  Why on earth would he be living in the lounge? 

At the time I had no idea that temporary housing existed, but I followed his directions and soon arrived at the door.  There were eight name tags.  I recognized Joe’s name but had trouble reading several of the others.  Upon opening the door, I saw a handful of people unpacking their things and settling into the barracks-style living quarters. 

“Hey Joe,” I said.  He looked happy to see me. 

“This might take some getting used to,” he said.  “But there’s someone you’ve gotta meet.” 

I followed Joe to the other side of the lounge.  “This is my ‘roommate’, David,” Joe said.

I don’t remember seeing a David on the door. 

“I am David,” Joe’s roommate said to me. 

“It’s nice to meet you David!” I said, reaching my hand out for a shake.  “Where are you from?” I asked. 

“Guangzhou, China.  Very far away.” 

Yeah, I’ll say.  Makes my three-and-a-half-hour drive seem like nothing. 

“I’ve never heard of it before, but that’s definitely far away,” I said. 

“Where is your home?” David asked, his words carefully thought out. 

“I’m from a small town called Algona.  It’s here in Iowa.”  My words were carefully enunciated. I felt myself speaking louder than was necessary. 

He’s not a toddler. You can speak normally to him, Reece.

 I panicked. “Are you excited for classes to start?” 

Of course he wasn’t.  No college kid is. 

“I am worried,” David said.  “It will be different.” 

“You’ll do fine though, I’m sure.  You seem like a bright guy.” 

You just met him five minutes ago, Reece.  How would you know? 

“University of Iowa is not like Guangzhou 47.” 

“Guangzhou 47?  Was that your old school?” I asked curiously.

“Yes. I liked it there.” 

“You’ll like it here too!” 

“I hope so,” David said. 

I can’t imagine going halfway across the world to attend college.  That takes some serious guts.

 “So do I! I’ve got to help Joe unpack a few things now, but it was nice meeting you, David.” 

“Yes, yes, you too,” he said, ending our conversation.

  At the time, I had no clue, but talking to David would be one of the most enjoyable parts of visiting Joe in temporary housing over the next couple weeks.  I was able to see firsthand how much his English was improving, and I gained a fuller appreciation for what it means to be an international student here at Iowa.  David even became comfortable enough to be a bit long-winded at times.  A simple question would result in a long and developed answer.  This did prove to be informational, though.  In fact, I was able to get an explanation behind the name of his high school, Guangzhou 47.  An explanation that turned into a lesson on the entire Chinese education system.