Eckerd exchange student panel highlights cultural insights and academic differences | News

Students at Eckerd College had the opportunity to hear firsthand experiences from exchange students during the Exchange Student Experience Panel on Feb. 19. Hosted in ES 100, the panel featured students from Japan, Croatia, the Netherlands and Ireland, as well as Eckerd students who had studied abroad in Japan and Taiwan. 

The discussion, moderated by Rosie Nelson, associate director of Global Education, shed light on cultural adaptation, academic challenges and the transformative nature of exchange programs.

When comparing academic systems, panelists explored the stark contrasts between educational systems in their home countries and at Eckerd. Laura Lovric, a clinical psychology student from the Netherlands and Croatia, noted the structural differences, particularly the emphasis on independent study and the lack of mandatory assignments in Dutch universities.

“I prefer the way learning is done in America,” Lovric said, highlighting the more interactive and discussion-based classroom experience at Eckerd.

Robbie Smith, a junior biology major from Northern Ireland, shared a different perspective, expressing that he preferred Ireland’s academic structure, which focuses on fewer mandatory assignments and more autonomy. “The American system feels a lot like high school in terms of workflow,” he remarked.

Marley Hellerstein, a junior East Asian studies major, recounted her experience studying in Taiwan last semester, where classes are structured differently, where she typically had the same classes every day of the week. Sophia Bond, a senior political science and biology major who studied abroad in Japan, appreciated the small class sizes at Kansai Gaidai University in Hirakata, which fostered an intimate learning environment similar to Eckerd’s.

The discussion shifted toward cultural adaptation and daily life abroad. Haruko Hamaguchi, a business major from Japan, highlighted the differences in social interactions, particularly greetings. “It took some adjustment to understand American expressions like ‘How are you?’ since in Japan, we don’t use small talk the same way,” she said.

Mobility was another major adjustment. Many exchange students noted the challenges of navigating the U.S. without a car. “In Ireland, we rely on public transportation, but here, I found it tricky to get around without a vehicle,” Smith explained. Lovric echoed this sentiment, stating that in the Netherlands, most people rely on bikes rather than cars.

Conversely, Hellerstein was surprised by the efficiency of Taiwan’s public transportation system. “Everything was metro-based, kind of like New York but much better,” she said, emphasizing how different it was from the car-centric lifestyle she was accustomed to in the U.S.

When asked about making friends and social involvement, the panelists had varied experiences. Lovric spoke highly of Eckerd’s welcoming environment. “The community here was incredibly warm and inclusive,” she said.

Smith shared how social norms in Ireland can be misinterpreted. “People might seem mean at first, but that’s just how we show affection. I appreciated how interested people were in learning about me and where I come from.”

Bond and Hellerstein reflected on how studying abroad provided opportunities to form deep connections with both locals and fellow exchange students. 

“In Japan, people were excited to practice English, and I had plenty of opportunities to practice my Japanese in return,” Bond shared. 

Hellerstein added that her exchange in Taiwan allowed her to bond with local students and professors, often sharing meals and cultural experiences outside the classroom.

The panelists encouraged students to embrace new experiences. “Jump into everything! Even if a club or activity doesn’t seem like a perfect fit, it’s worth trying,” Smith advised.

Bond described how her dorm’s organized trip to the Nara Prefecture in Japan allowed her to explore places she wouldn’t have otherwise visited. Lovric emphasized the importance of choosing activities unique to the host country. 

“At Eckerd, I joined clubs focused on exploring Florida, like camping and surfing. If you study abroad, take advantage of experiences you can only have in that country.”

Nelson closed the discussion by reinforcing the value of exchange programs. 

“Exchange programs offer an exceptional and cost-effective culturally immersive opportunity for Eckerd College students to study abroad for a semester or academic year at a university outside the U.S.,” she said. “When participating in an Eckerd-sponsored study abroad program, including exchange programs, students can apply all of their Eckerd scholarships, as well as federal and state aid, toward their semester abroad.”

For more information on Eckerd College’s exchange opportunities, visitglobal.eckerd.edu.