International Student Newsletter

Dear International Students,

We hope you have had a great fall semester so far, and that you continue to find time and space for the experiences and people that bring you joy! As always, we want to share some important resources and exciting things happening on campus this month. In the Announcement section, learn about and consider applying to different student leadership opportunities on campus, such as the Belonging Ambassador, and the CCD-ERC Student Ambassador. Also, read about the Educational Resource Center’s Language Link program which offers BU students an opportunity to engage in conversation groups in many languages, including English; a great way to expand one’s vocabulary and cultural experiences! Review the BU Diversity and Inclusion’s crowdsourced Cultural Guide to Boston, which provides information on locations to get natural hair styled, find food from all ethnicities, and seek LGBTQ community, among others. Lastly, please note, as part of the International Student Workshop Series, the Center for Career Development is hosting two events in October, focused on interviewing in the U.S., networking, and internship search. In the Employment in the U.S. section, meet senior Owen Liang, who reflects on his internship with Vista, including favorite parts and lessons learned, and shares advice for international students. In Culture Corner, learn about the different phases of the adjustment process of living abroad, and different BU resources that will help you overcome it.

We wish all students the best of luck with their mid-term projects and exams. If you have any feedback or suggestions for future newsletters, please contact Kamelia Turcotte at kameliat@bu.edu.

Announcements

Upcoming Events

Employment in the U.S.

Culture Corner

Culture Shock

One of the most common challenges international students face in their first semester in college is the process of adjustment to the new,” host” country, also known as culture shock. According to Meriam Webster, culture shock is “a sense of confusion and uncertainty sometimes with feelings of anxiety that may affect people exposed to an alien culture or environment without adequate preparation.”

It is important for students to recognize the different stages of the adjustment process including honeymoon, culture shock, recovery, adaptation, and the different characteristics for each one. While it is true that everyone will undergo the various adjustment phases differently, and for a different period of time, the typical adjustment phases look like the U curve below (the first half of the W graph).

Source: Cultural Adjustment Phases, MIT ISO

To minimize the culture shock phase of the adjustment process, students should keep in touch with family and friends back home- but it is important to also identify new sources of support. A great way to build up a personal support system is to get involved in the social aspects of campus life at BU. We encourage students to attend events and research the 450+ clubs and organizations at BU where they can participate in their home culture traditions and consume media that reminds them of home. Additionally, it may be worth exploring Boston’s neighborhoods, many of which are very diverse in terms of culinary offerings. We also encourage students to embrace the “new culture” of BU by taking part in Terrier traditions like lobster night, the pumpkin drop and sports events like hockey. Lastly, if students have a prolonged struggle with homesickness, they can reach out to campus resources like student support groups and social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing resources.

Reverse Culture Shock

The second half of the W curve above shows the similar adjustment process when students return to their home country. In preparation for the return, students should consider three main points, including 1) the home country has changed; 2) the student has changed; 3) the student has adapted to another culture and now must readapt. Students may realize that things at home are very different from when they left, and feel like they no longer belong.

It is important to remember that culture shock is not a sign that anything is wrong. On the contrary, it is an intrinsic part of living abroad. It is best to understand and acknowledge the different phases, and identity ways and resources to help overcome it. Eventually, students will be able to look back on these experiences with fond memories.

Sources and additional information: Culture Shock Stages: Everything You Need to Know, Reverse Culture Shock, Cultural Adjustment Phases

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

The Compass

There are over 250 academic, housing, community, and employment resources currently on the Compass and each issue we will highlight two.