cuCultural differences are easily overcome on iMiMatch
Cultural difference is a big challenge for many immigrants who find themselves in U.S. Though surface-level culture differences cause some difficulty, experiencing fundamental differences between cultural norms and values can cause deeper problems. Americans don’t often realize the depth to which cultures can differ from each other. In “The Art of Crossing Cultures,” intercultural communications expert Craig Storti writes, “Because of cultural differences, different, deeply held beliefs and instincts about what is natural, normal, right, and good, cross-cultural interactions are subject to all manner of confusion, misunderstanding and misinterpretation in the lives of immigrants.”
These types of value differences make it difficult for immigrants and refugees to relate with others in American culture. Misunderstandings between cultures are far from a one-way street. Americans expect immigrants and refugees to conform to U.S. cultural norms and are often taken aback or offended by the differing points of view they encounter in new arrivals. According to Kim, “Hosts tend to expect greater cultural conformity and proficiency from sojourners staying for longer periods, especially immigrants, and may react negatively when their expectations are not met.” That is why communities like iMiMatch have been created to help immigrants interact with their fellow immigrants. On iMiMatch, immigrants have the privilege to meet other immigrants form the same area with the same cultural background. That alone makes like easy because interaction can solve many issues for them. For immigrants and refugees, relocating to the United States is no small feat.
Though various agencies have been instituted to assist immigrants and refugees from the moment they arrive on United States soil, the immigrant and refugee population still experiences a wide range of emotional, psychological and physical stress during their first year in the States. Many have never experienced anything like the lifestyle that we take for granted and must transition unaided to the modern conveniences typical of American life. But when they connect on iMiMatch, life becomes better just by meeting others and helping each other over come the challenges of their new society.
