My second interview

 My second interview

 

Location: University of Saint Cloud, USA.

 

Description

 

            My first interview with Asad was an inspiration for me as I got the courage, confidence and skills to communicate with a person of different background and culture. I conducted an interview for 45 minutes from an international student that was a completely different and interesting experience for me.  In the beginning, it was challenging as I had heard and developed an image that international students are reluctant to respond appropriately. However, Asad was cooperative and helping to answer each and every question appropriately. On the basis of my analysis, confidence and communication skills are foremost important factors to impact the process of interview.

             I approached Asad through one of my old classmates. He informed Asad about me and told me to visit the university on 29/10/ 2013. I was surprised by the way Asad encountered culture shock and barriers in his academic life and the way he overcome them. However, the interview went sound and successful. According to Siedman (1998), there are three or four levels at which interview can be conducted; both participants should listen to what the other person is trying to say. They should try to focus on the inner voice.

 

Report

 

            It was one of the good weekdays in ST Cloud University when I went to meet Asad on 29/10/ 2013. Everyone seemed busy in their classes, assignments and other academic work. Asad welcomed me warmly along with showing the entire campus. He seemed happy and nice that gave me confidence to start my conversation without any hesitation. He took me on the top floor where one class was free. I conducted interview for approximately one hour.   

 

Country Report

            Egypt is known as the transcontinental nation that is officially known as the Arab Republic of Egypt. In Middle East and Africa, it is one of the populous nations. Egypt has huge history as being the contemporary nation, and it has been inhibited continuously. The culture of Egypt is stable and complex that is under the influence of later cultures of Africa, Middle East and Europe. Today, it is highly under the impact of Modern Western culture. The Egyptians are religious but in a moderate manner. The culture of Egypt is immensely mixed with different languages, traditions, civilization and history. Population clock (2013) mentioned that Egypt is ranked as15^th most populated nation of the world.

            The total population of Egypt is 71 million, around 8-9 million people are tropic Christians and 62 million people are Sunni Muslims. The Egyptians follow their religious practices in their daily life no matter they are Muslims or Christians. Egyptians are famous with regard to their helping and hospitable behavior. Around 90 % of the population of Egypt is Muslim, 9 % Christianity and one percent makes other religions. The Modern and contemporary art of Egyptian is appreciated in the world art scene.  Today, Egypt is also advancing and progressing due to globalization and technology integration.

            The Egyptian culture is one of the oldest cultures that date back around 5,000 BC (Mapsofworld.com, 2013). It has been benefited by the good strategic standing, mineral resources and good farmland. Egypt has endured the unique culture for over 5000 years despite of the internal life and occasional invasion (Angelfire.com 2013). Egypt is one of the famous nations for tourism and travelling as it is a beautiful nation with deep historical and cultural heritage. The Pyramids have made it an attractive place to visit for people all over the world. The local Egyptians have pure nature and they invite travelers to their home in times of need no matter they hardly know anyone. These local people are also good source to learn about the culture of Egypt. Muslims celebrate their religious events with high spirit and happiness. Christians also celebrate their festivals with equal rights and devotion.

 

References

 

Angelfire.com (2013). Egyptians. [online] Retrieved from: http://www.angelfire.com/empire2/unkemptgoose/Egyptians.html [Accessed: 30 Oct 2013].

Population Clock". Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics. 27 April 2013. Retrieved 27 April 2013.

 

Mapsofworld.com (2013). Egypt Culture, Culture of Egypt. [online] Retrieved from: http://www.mapsofworld.com/egypt/egypt-culture.html [Accessed: 30 Oct 2013].

 

 

Interview Transcription

 

1-      Do you like the weather in St Cloud University? Please explain.

 

Personally, I like moderate and warm weather for learning purpose. The weather of this university keeps on changing it can be sunny one time and rainy the next. However, rain and cold stays for long time period that affects the experience of those people who don’t like these weathers. However, I manage to study in all these changing weathers as I like this university. 

 

 

 

2- What do you do for leisure?

            Leisure time is the most favorite time as I get the time to complete all my pending activities. In my leisure time, I do shopping and purchase necessary accessories for me. Additionally, I like to stay in touch with my family members so I do Skype with them. In addition, I like to visit new places that I have never been to.

 

3-Could you please tell me about yourself?

 

            My name is Asad and I am from Egypt. I have been living in Egypt since my childhood. I have come to Saint Cloud University in an effort to complete my higher education studies to develop my career.  After attaining degree from this university, I am assured that I would be able to get job in some highly reputable firm.   

 

4- How often do you communicate with your family back at home?

 

            I like to stay in touch with my family members on regular basis. However, due to my busy and hectic routine, I can only manage to talk to them on weekends.

5- What is the biggest holiday in your country? Please explain about the holidays (Activities, Food, Date, Origin, and etc,)

 

            Eid-ul-Fitr is the biggest holiday day in Egypt for Muslim community. There are different classifications of holidays in Egypt. There are four Islamic holidays celebrated by Muslims and two Christian holidays. Ramadan and Eid ul Fitar of Muslim community are the most valued events in Egypt. Furthermore, public holidays are celebrated by the entire local populace.  Egyptians prefer to eat vegetarian dishes mostly. They celebrate many religious carnivals and festivals. The most popular sport in the nation is football. In Middle East, Egypt has diversified economic climate with industries; such as, agriculture, tourism, services and industry at equal level of production.  

 

 

6- In what ways might it be difficult to practice your religion here in the U.S?

 

            It is little difficult as I am Muslim by religion and I have to take care of my values and norms while living in this Christian community. For example, drinking is prohibited in our religion. So, I have to encounter difficulty as many people around me are accustomed of drinking. In addition, I also have to pray five times a day that becomes difficult for me as there is no Masjid and due to the lack of inappropriate schedule.

7- Tell me some important things from your culture?

 

            The culture of Egypt is most long lived and oldest of ancient times among all modern states. The ancient Egypt was ruled by Pharaoh. Many of these Pharaohs were obscured in the great pyramid that is an attraction for tourists from all over the world. The Great Sphinx of Giza is another attraction that is the oldest statue that adds beauty to the nation. 

           

8- What’s the biggest difference between the American culture and your culture?

 

            The religion is the main difference between American culture and Egyptian culture. In Egypt, Islam is the prominent religion that and Christianity is the dominant culture in America.

9-What are your goals for the future; after you graduate, what are you going to do?

 

            In the future, I would like to go back to my nation and will do job in some reputable firm. I want to serve my nation and want to live with my family. s

 

 

10-Did you face any racist since you came here?

           

            There are no more racism issues in America as people are educated and aware to treat all people on equal basis.

 

 

11-If you are an international student, how long have you been here? Are you feeling homesick?

 

            I have been here in America since last four years. In the beginning, I faced culture shock but I tried to overcome. But, I feel better now and have adjusted to this environment. However, sometimes I feel homesick.

 

12-what is your favorite sport?

 

            I have a passion for football and I love playing and watching it.

13-why did you choose your major?

 

            I chose Business Administration as I have always been interested in this subject as I believe that it is very valuable to learn each and every functional aspect of a business, since I also wish to have my business one day after having a job expedience for long.      

 

References

Seidman, I (1998).  A guide for researchers in education and the social sciences. New York, NY: Teachers College Press.