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Some countries hate Americans.
However, Chico State is doing its part to bridge cultural differences through its international mentor program.
"Students have a huge capacity to build those bridges on a more intimate basis than big business and the government," said Joey Foy, international mentor-buddy coordinator. "We smash stereotypes all the time."
The mentor program matches up a Chico State student who has previously studied abroad with an exchange student, Foy said.
"We organize events and parties to introduce exchange students with Americans to get them integrated," he said. "We try to ease their transition into Chico State by helping them get a good network of friends."
After only one month, French exchange student Sarah Marmouz finds her college experience at Chico even better than at home.
"People are more relaxed here," she said. "There's a good balance of life. People ride bikes, play sports, party, and it's beautiful."
Marmouz decided to study in the United States because Americans are efficient and have fun, she said.
"I didn't like what I saw on TV in the news," Marmouz said. "But I was sure there was a gap. I am in love with this country right now."
But sometimes it takes showing around a foreign exchange student to realize how cool American culture actually is, said international mentor Holly Lindsey. The foreign exchange students have reminded her that something like peanut butter can be a specialty.
"Meeting locals when I was abroad made my experience memorable," Lindsey said. "To be able to do that here at Chico State and give back is a really great opportunity."
While studying in Spain, Lindsey wanted to make a good impression as an American, she said.
"We realized our stereotype," she said. "Nobody wanted to be that drunken American."
Now Lindsey is focused on creating the same amazing experience for the incoming exchange students she had while in Spain, she said.
"They're a great group of people," she said. "You definitely have to get outside the stereotypes and get to know people from different countries on a personal basis."
Foy notices incoming exchange students are always the opposite of their stereotypes, he said.
"We think we know about other countries," he said. "But many times those stereotypes are really exaggerated."
Similarly the stereotype of the United States isn't always bad.
Before his arrival, German exchange student Joachim Oswald had a positive impression of Americans.
"I was amazed by the sports," he said. "But I am critical regarding politics. There is a big waste of energy. In Germany we really care for the environment."
Although he likes the atmosphere on campus because people are friendly and helpful, he also thinks people are more superficial here, he said. But the mentor program has given him a great experience.
"Skiing in Tahoe was amazing," he said. "The snow was perfect. I've never seen such a nice resort."
Junk food, crazy teenagers and a beautiful country is how Daniela Alves envisioned America before she made the trip from Brazil, she said.
"It's funny that girls wear makeup to school," she said.
She is impressed by the student association at Chico State, Alves said. Students are very engaged. There are recycling programs and people taking care of animals.
"Everybody's nice," she said. "But Hollywood is not glamorous. It was so disappointing."
Japanese exchange student Asuka Noda noticed that students don't sleep during class the way movies portray them, she said.
"They study hard and they party hard," she said. "They can switch really quickly from school to party and party to school."
She goes to house parties, Santa Cruz and Wal-Mart with her study abroad mentor, she said.
"People in Chico are really nice," she said. "Even in Safeway people are friendly and say hello."
Learning about other countries has many benefits, Foy said. The commonalities overshadow the differences.
"I wish everyone would study abroad and prove that Americans are not bad people," he said.
Sonja Kydd can be reached at skydd@theorion.com
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