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There are 5 comments on Tips for BU’s New International Students

  1. Thank you for doing a feature on our international students! As an American who just came back from a year abroad – having to live, work, and perform research in another country where the culture and dominant language are VERY different – I can’t say enough how important it is to support and welcome students brave enough to study and live abroad in Boston for extended periods of time. I would also love to hear from students at BU who do not speak such fluent English – I wonder if their experiences are very different, because struggling with a language barrier alone can make living arrangements, studying, and avoiding social isolation really difficult.

    1. Hi Lara, I am an instructor at BU’s Center for English Language and Orientation Programs. If you would still like to speak with international students, let me know! We would love to have you visit our class and share your experience!

  2. What are the challenges to which foreign students are faced by first year Master ?
    Foreign students often tend to be confused by a system that is not their own , so I think it is better to set up a guidance system of foreign students after language the test.

  3. I support 300% Massire’s suggestion. Foreign students should be given upon arrival a ‘road map’ of ‘survival’ that includes in-depth discussions of the uniqueness of the American university, its social dynamics, and its extra-curricular groups. In addition, each new foreign arrival should be assigned to a ‘mentor’—that is, a foreign student who has already attended BU for at least one year (and, in addition, ideally, a faculty mentor), “Culture shock” and isolation CAN be avoided, but only if user-friendly measures are in place. (Studied five years abroad.)

  4. I am a new visiting scholar here for 1 year. The time is limited and I want to make the best use of it. As for me, the most difficult thing is to make American friends due to the different culture and non-fluent English. I hope some organizations of the BU can establish a communication platform or hold several activities for international students to exchange their cultures or other things. It would be very interesting and helpful.Thank you!

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