Czech tennis player adjusts to U.S.

Every college student is familiar with the tremendous adjustment that comes with freshman year. Now imagine coming mid-semester to not only a new school, but to a new country.\nFreshman Dominika Walterova, from Zlin, Czech Republic, is a new addition to the IU women's tennis team this semester. At first glance, coming to IU from a foreign country would seem like a huge life transition, but it has been a different story for Walterova.\n"I was nervous at the beginning," Walterova said. "It's hard when you come mid-season. We have matches every week, practices everyday, and then, of course, studying. But I'm very adaptable and it has been quite easy to adjust to America and to IU. I think I can learn a lot and improve at everything at the same time." \nFrom her perspective, she said the major difference between the two countries is within the school system. Whereas students in American colleges are assigned homework, projects and take various exams throughout the semester, students in Czech universities have exams only at the end of each semester. \nHer biggest barrier thus far has been language, although she is gradually adjusting. Walterova feels fortunate that many other international students are on this campus and have similar everyday obstacles. \nWalterova was primarily considering IU when looking for colleges. Between the abundance of international students at IU and the people that she knew here from Czech, her decision was simple. \n "I think that the tennis team made it easier for her to come to a different country," junior Martina Grimm said. "As an international student, I can definitely understand how she perceives the U.S because we both share the same culture, more or less."\n Even though she has played tennis for 10 years, Walterova's major accomplishments were in 2001 when she won three singles indoor tournaments and five doubles tournaments in the Czech Republic. She has lost only one singles and doubles match in the 18-and-under team competition. \nFor the Hoosiers this season, Walterova has been playing No. 5 singles and No. 2 doubles.\n"She has been great to have on the team," coach Lin Loring said. "It is tough coming in at the semester and she has done a great job of adjusting."\nWalterova is currently undecided for her major, although she is considering environmental science, interior design and international studies. \n"Dominika has been a wonderful addition to our team on and off of the tennis court," sophomore Linda Tran said. "Whenever you have a bad day, you can always count on her for a smile and a laugh, even at your bad jokes"