The Social Aspect of College

<p>As a current undergraduate, I've seen that a lot of Indians spend a big chunk of their time with other indians or internationals? After spending time visiting friends at a couple of schools and attending an Ivy league institution as well, I found that this phenomenon wasn't just limited to my current school.</p>

<p>I'm curious to know how many of you guys make an effort to diversify your friend circles beyond just internationals? For those not in college - do you plan on doing so?</p>

<p>On one hand you're definitely more comfortable with your fellow countrymen but, from my experience at least, you're missing out on so much with regards to meeting new people, sharing different perspectives and just embracing the "American college" experience.</p>

<p>It is not just indians, even americans are tending (unfortunately) to segregate by ethnic origins in college though this research claims otherwise [Diversity</a> Innovations | Institutional Leadership | Campus Climate and Culture | Campus Diversity and Student Self-Segregation](<a href=“http://www.diversityweb.org/diversity_innovations/institutional_leadership/campus_climate_culture/student_segregation.cfm]Diversity”>http://www.diversityweb.org/diversity_innovations/institutional_leadership/campus_climate_culture/student_segregation.cfm)</p>

<p>Even high schools are similar here.
I think it is based on finding common interests and who you are comfortable with.</p>

<p>Ya I second the previous poster. Not everyone is willing to befriend someone who isn’t like them. Also there aren’t always many opportunities where an American student and an international students can find common interests.</p>

<p>Well, I moved to the states quite recently. I don’t agree to this fact, people tend to mix up quite well. I was at this Brown summer program too, and there was no segregation. We enjoyed so much. Well, I certainly don’t agree to the fact that Americans and Internationals cant be friends !</p>

<p>^There is a significant difference between casual acquaintances (Summer program/camps) and lifelong friends. Sure people tend to mingle in groups/clubs. But how many inter-ethnic groups are taking that level to permanent long term friendships? My guess is - very low.</p>

<p>Didn’t I just say that I moved to the states ? This so does not happen ! Sometimes, however, it may hold true. But that is another thing. Lifelong friendships can be international, and I have seen enough proof to say that you are wrong on this one.</p>

<p>^you just moved to the States. And I have been living in the States all my life !</p>

<p>Me and my friends (indian/asian americans)…we all had diverse group of friends all through elementary and middle school. Come high school, the asians drifted together, the other ethnic group also seemed to drift in their own groups. Yes, there is inter-mingling. We play in bands, sports, competitive teams together but when it comes to social settings, the drift is more to where you find common interests - and it is tending to be asians with asians etc…It is just the way it is. Not to say there aren’t exceptions. But that is the usual trend. What I read is - if an asian american goes to college that has pre-dominantly non-asian, there is more chance of intermingling else they will just tend to drift to what is comfortable and in more cases, it is people of their own ethnic origin.</p>