By Tara Walker

One aspect of American culture that many may take for granted is the opportunity to experience life as freely as they wish.

Norma Bazan, who was attending the University of Louisville campus located in Panama, wanted something more than just an education.

She wanted to experience American life first-hand.

Bazan attended Panama’s U of L campus for two years before transferring to the Belknap campus this fall. The decision to continue her studies in America was quite simple.

“What brought me here was that I wanted to learn and experience other cultures and expand my knowledge,” said Bazan, a finance major.

Bazan had previously visited the United States making the relocation less of a culture shock. The real shock came from having to live independently. In her culture, children live at home until they are married.

“I am doing everything on my own that I had never done for myself before,” Bazan said. Some of her new responsibilities include cooking and cleaning, among other tasks.

Bazan said if she could pinpoint one negative aspect of being an international student it would be students getting the wrong impression of her.

“Sometimes Americans do not understand the way [I] think about certain things,” she said.

One person who always understands Bazan is her friend and classmate Aileen Rodriguez. Rodriguez, a marketing major at U of L, went to school in Panama with Bazan.

“She has adapted really well. She hasn’t had any problems other than being homesick,” Rodriguez said. She has managed herself really well.”

Overall Bazan has a bright and cheerful attitude toward being an international student here at U of L, and has nothing but positive things to say of the interactions she has had with other students. As far as discriminatory attitudes from others, Bazan said, “Maybe people think that way, but I just do not know it.”

Those who know Bazan say her outgoing demeanour and positive personality are two of her best assets.

“She has a nice smile, and people tend to be drawn to her,” said Satish Chandra, a U of L computer information systems instructor. Chandra and Bazan met over the summer while he was teaching a class at U of L’s Panama campus.

Chandra is impressed with how well Bazan has adjusted to life in America. “Compared to some other international students I know [Bazan’s] transition has been superb,” he said.

For information about how to study aboard contact the International Center 852-6602.