Interview 1

In preparation for the interview that I had conducted with Chen Fong, who is from Malaysia, I gathered some information about Malaysia, had created a list of questions that I gave him prior to the interview, that way Chen would be able to look over the questions. The objectives that I have with the interview are; I want to learn the culture, his experience as a student in the United States, and some general questions. Also I wanted to develop my oral skills because it was the first time I did an interview with someone I do not really know. When the interview time comes, we decided to have the interview take place at the Miller Center, one of the study rooms, because library is the most comfortable and quiet. Since he lives a couple blocks away from library. The interview took place on October 23, 2009 at 1p.m in the afternoon. I also asked his permission to audio record, so I used an iphone to record the interview.
When the interview time came, I was all prepared with two copies of my interview questions, booked the study room, charge my phone fully because I was going to use it as a recorder, and pen and paper. I wanted to make sure that it was going to be most convenient for Chen; after all, he is taking his time out for me.
The person to whom I interviewed was Ming Chun. He is from Malaysia, the east- Malaysia, and a town called Sarawak. He came to the United States in 2004. He is 26 years old; currently he is a senior student and majoring electronic engineering. His interests are fishing, watching Korean, and Taiwanese dramas. The interview process for me was not easy, because I was nervous even though Chun spoke excellent English. During the interview, he gave me good information, but I do wish I could have gotten more. The interview went smoothly; there really was not any awkward silence. There was a part in the interview that did move me, and that was when I asked the question, what are you going to do after your graduation. He said, he would find a job in the United States and work for few years in order to save up some money and go home because he spent quite amount of money to just to study in the United States. In Malaysia, he says it is harder to save money even if you are working. Thus, this concludes with how the “brain drain” plays in a role. I think if he goes home, he could make some changes in his country.
. Here is the interview:
Galkhuu: Thank you for willing to spend your time for this interview. And I really appreciate it. Alright, where are you from?
Chun: I am from Malaysia.
Galkhuu: Which part of Malaysia are you from?
Chun: I am from East – Malaysia, I was born and grew up Sarawak, Malaysia.
Galkhuu: How long have you been in the US?
Chun: I came to the U.S in August, 2004
Galkhuu: Could you tell me about your background a little bit more?
Chun: Sure. I am from Malaysia, from Malaysian – Chinese family and I have two siblings. Actually, my younger sister is in the U.S. too. I am the only son in my family.
Galkhuu: So you speak Chinese right? And any other language do you speak?
Chun: yeah sure, I speak Chinese because my grandparents originally from China and I mostly speak Chinese with my family and friends. Also, I speak Malay because I attended public school. And I speak MANGLISH (Malaysian-Chinese) it’s basically English but it is more like broken English.
Galkhuu: Wow, you speak three languages? I am amazed with that because I only speak two languages; Mongolian and English. I don’t think I speak fluent in either one. Anyways, when did you start learn English?
Chun: Well, I think started learn English is from the kinder garden but we speak like Chinese mixed English at home, even with my friends before I joined the kinder garden.
Galkhuu: So I guess you didn’t have much language problems when you decided to study in the United States?
Chun: No, no, I wasn’t even feeling confident about my English because I wasn’t the best speaker in my high school. I used to speak broken English just like everybody else in my high school. I was even thinking to take English as a second language classes but when I applied to St.Cloud State, they accepted me as a freshman.
Galkhuu: just out of curiosity, why did you choose St.Cloud State University over like 3000 thousand universities and colleges in the United States?
Chun: I chose St.Cloud because my aunt graduate from St.Cloud a long time ago and she suggested me to study in St.Cloud. Because of numerous reasons. First of all, she suggested that St.Cloud tuition fee is afford because St.Cloud offers partial scholarships to international students. Secondly, after she graduated, she lives and works in St.Paul. since it was first time I stay away from my parents. So she could visit me once a while. Thirdly, my high school classmate was going to study in St.Cloud too. Another reason was I never see snow before so I want to stay a place with four seasons. Unlike Malaysia, have only two seasons, hot and rainy.
Galkhuu: Yeah, you know, I also transferred here because of the affordable tuition fee. So how do you like St.Cloud?
Chun: I stayed here quite long time. So I got used to it. I mean the weather. I like the snow but I still don’t like the cold. It gets really cold in here. Rather than that, I like it here. Small but a nice town with lots of students
Galkhuu: Yeah that’s true. So I just wanted to ask you about the problems you would faces time to time?
Chun: Well, from time to time I faced problems. One of the bigger problems I faced recently was I had to remove my wisdom tooth which cost me so much money to remove only a wisdom tooth. Anyway, I had to remove it because it was so painful. So the student insurance we pay every year like almost $1000 dollars did not cover it. And the money had to come out of my pocket. It was unexpected expenses. Also, every semester books are getting expensive. Financially, it is getting hard for and my family to pay the tuition and living expenses for my sister and me.
Galkhuu: yeah, I totally agree with you. The expenses and health issues are hard. Moreover, we as international students required to take health insurance from only school is a kind of suck right. I wish we could choose the insurance company that we want to insured with.
Chun: Yeah, maybe I could find better insurance company with same amount to pay.
Galkhuu: Well, let’s talk about something else. What are the differences between the lifestyle in the United States versus Malaysia?
Chun: Oh, yeah there is obviously the living style. In Malaysia, I would probably stay with my parents until I get married but in the U.S. is you can leave your home once you graduate from high school. My country is more like family oriented but the U.S. is more individual life style.
Galkhuu: I guess my country is also very family-oriented too. So which lifestyle do prefer?
Chun: I don’t know, sometimes I feel like the U.S. lifestyle is very suitable for me, but other times I like family-oriented. But now, I don’t think I could be able stay with my parents anymore because I have been living in the U.S. for 5 years by myself.
Galkhuu: alright, thanks again for your time and your effort. I really appreciate it.