International Student Newsletter

Dear International Students,

Welcome to our third issue of the newsletter. In Announcements, learn more about BU’s Cross-College Challenge (XCC) and Spring 2022 offerings and the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) and how it can help you gain valuable research experience. Also, as the end of semester approaches, learn tools to help navigate finals and lower the stress by attending one of the ERC’s Get Ready for Finals Workshops and the Wellbeing Project’s virtual Mindful Movement Yoga practice. In the Employment in the U.S. section, meet Marcelo Arana (QST’22), who reflects on his internship experience, and the resources he used to find it. In Culture Corner learn about small talk in the U.S., including why it is important, common barriers and how to overcome them, and strategies to help you make small talk in any situation.

We wish you a healthy and successful remainder of the semester, and restorative winter break!

If you have any feedback or suggestions for future newsletters, please contact Kamelia Turcotte at kameliat@bu.edu.

Announcements

Cross-College Challenge (XCC)

The BU Cross-College Challenge (XCC) is the Hub’s signature interdisciplinary project-based, 4-credit elective course open to juniors and seniors from all 10 undergraduate schools and colleges. The XCC engages students in team projects that address a real-world problem or an enduring human question. Student teams work with their faculty as well as with a variety of campus and community partners on a substantial, research-based challenge while building their knowledge and skills in 4 key Hub areas.

Spring 2022 Sections & Projects

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

The BU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) facilitates undergraduate participation in faculty-mentored research projects. Funding opportunities exist and the program is flexible, allowing research study in any academic area University-wide. UROP is now accepting applications for Spring 2022 funding. The application deadline is noon on Thursday, December 2.

More Information

Woman studying in a library with books and a laptop

Get Ready for Finals

Attend one of three virtual “Get Ready for Finals” workshops by the ERC to help you get into the “finals mindset” and lower the stress that comes with realizing that finals are just a few weeks away. Whether you’re a seasoned test-taker or a finals rookie, this workshop will equip you with the test-taking, study, and self-care methods to ace finals week! Then attend a virtual Mindful Movement Yoga practice to encourage calmness and increase resilience during this time.

Upcoming Events

Full Calendar

Employment in the U.S.

A Word from Students

BU Student, Marcelo Arana (QST’22), reflects on his internship experiences in the U.S., and shares advice with international students.

Read the Full Story

Culture Corner

Small Talk Etiquette

What is small talk and why it is important?

Small talk or “exchanging pleasantries” is light, informal conversation with strangers or acquaintances about non-controversial topics, such as the weather, current news, sports, or entertainment. It is commonly used at networking and social events. For students who are not familiar with the culture of their host country, small talk can be very intimidating. Yet, it is a crucial skill to have because it is a big part of professional networking. In fact, the ability to engage in small talk with strangers shows that: 1) you are able to engage in conversations with new people, clients, or customers, 2) you are easy to be around, without awkward uncomfortable silences, and 3) you are willing to engage, are friendly and interested in people around you.

Common barriers to small talk include:

being an introvert
a lack of confidence
a lack of English language skills
a lack of commonality of topics of interest or experience

For suggestions on how to overcome these barriers, refer to Professional Networking for International Students: Small Talk Your Way into Career Success.

Below are four strategies that will help you make small talk in any situation:

Ask open-ended questions. Most people enjoy talking about themselves- it’s easier to discuss yourself than something you know little about. Open-ended questions generate an interesting, dynamic conversation and encourage the person you are speaking with to open up.
Practice active listening.It’s tempting to tune out occasionally, but you will forge much stronger connections if you pay attention. The other person will notice how engaged you seem.
Put away your phone. We tend to pull out our phones when we are feeling uncomfortable or awkward in social situations, but nothing will sabotage your conversational efforts more quickly. Few people will approach you if you are scrolling through your phone, and you will send a message to anyone you are already talking to that you are not interested.
Show your enthusiasm.Small talk might not always be the most stress-free activity. However, if you go into it with the right attitude, you can actually have fun. View these conversations as opportunities to learn more about other people. You never know whom you will meet or what they will have to share, so embrace the chance it will be an amazing discussion.

For more information, including small talk topics, as well as topics to avoid, refer to The Ultimate Guide to Small Talk: Conversation Starters, Powerful Questions, & More

Building up small talk skills takes time and courage, but it certainly is possible and can be a very rewarding experience, so do not be afraid. Keep practicing, and remember that BU has some amazing resources, like the Education Resource Center’s Language Link, which is a space for casual conversation practice.

Adapted from The Ultimate Guide to Small Talk: Conversation Starters, Powerful Questions, & More; Professional Networking for International Students

If you have suggestions for an aspect of American culture to feature in the next communication, please contact Kamelia Turcotte at kameliat@bu.edu