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Having done the opposite move, from the US to Scandinavia, I'm finding myself in the exact situation as you. I find that I can almost never make friends with "the natives," and only with other foreigners. I think American and Scandinavian culture (especially male social culture) are QUITE different, which makes it difficult for people to bridge those gaps without a LOT of effort. Seems damn near impossible to me.
I guess this isn't very helpful. Let me think about it a little more and get back to you. Do try speaking up more in class, if for nothing other than to build your confidence at making your voice heard. You've nailed that one on the head about Americans... many of us don't stop to listen to anyone, unless they assert themselves first. It's an unfortunate characteristic, and one I've come to despise since assimilating more to Scandinavian culture.
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And think not you can direct the course of Love;
for Love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.
--Khalil Gibran
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