Cultural differences

Cultural differences impact the graduate school experience in many ways. Graduate programs and academia have their own culture, in addition to the countries' native culture. For many students, graduate school involves interacting with people from a greater variety of cultures than what they are accustomed to beforehand -- multiple nationalities, regions, previous educational background, economic status, etc.

These differences may become more prounounced as the class integrates, and social interactions combine with academic discussion. An important element to recognize here is that while one may not agree with the cultural ideas of another, this does not mean that a positive relationship is out of reach. An understanding of the material and positive relationships are of the upmost importance in a graduate program; either on its own is usually insufficient.

Note: This article should probably become a set of related articles. For now, information can be gathered here.