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How to talk to an international student?
So, at my school we have a TON of international kids[most are from Asia]. Well, there is this one guy(he is Korean) that has had my eye for a while now. We make eye contact often and at morning meeting thing [our form of school announcments] he always sits next to me. I've never talked to him before, but I want to start. The only problem is, is that he isn't very good with English and I only see him hanging around with the other Asians at school. How can I begin a conversation with him without it being too awkward/random and confusing? Thanks =]
Btw, Im a female high schooler.
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DO NOT ask if they like America! You never know when you're going to get an American in the bunch, and then you seem like a bigoted jerk.
I've got tons of Asian friends. Really, it's no different from starting a conversation with anyone else.
Some things to avoid in conversation are long or obscure words and colloquialisms.
Just be prepared to explain what you mean sometimes. I have a friend from China, and explaining to her what a nipple was without showing her one was hilarious!
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You could sit with them at lunch. Ask if they like America, and if they have any questions about it, or your school. Then, just chat. Ask how their old countries are, and all that.
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The best thing you can do is go talk to him when there are other students around him that speak his language. You can then introduce yourself and talk freely as they translate.
This way you'll know he understands you and knows who you are without you confusing him or running into communication blockages. I think he would be delighted that someone bothered to talk to him or sought out one of his friends to translate.
The other thing you could do to really get to know him better is talk to his teacher or prinicipal and ask if you could help him with his English and tutoring him with their support so you can communicate properly.
Talk to the ESL teacher and express your interest in becoming his friend and wanting to help him but that you cannot speak his language. They'll help you out.
If you want to talk to him and just introduce yourself and be friendly until he picks up enough English to have small conversations just talk to him like you would anyone in English and get his pals to translate for you. He'll appreciate it.
Also, be sure that he doesn't have a girlfriend. He might outside of school or could have become attached to one of the other Asian girls he knows at school. Good luck!
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