International Student Newsletter

Welcome back, Terriers! We hope everyone is settling into the new semester and creating new connections and finding ways to get engaged on campus.

In the Announcements section of this newsletter, learn more about important events happening across campus in February. As part of the International Student Workshop Series, the Center for Career Development is hosting two in-person events focused on interviewing in the U.S., a great opportunity to learn about the intricacies of the interview process and how to leverage your international experience to answer “difficult” interview questions. Also in February, attend one of BU Study Abroad’ s information events and the Spring 2024 Study Abroad Expo on February 26 and learn about the application process, financial aid, and common question international students have about studying abroad. If you are interested in leadership positions on campus, consider opportunities by the Community Service Center, Center for Career Development, and Student Health Services. Lastly, please review the resources and programs offered by BU Student Health Services to help with anxiety, adjustment and homesickness, and socio-political stress. In the Student Experiences section, meet BU junior Paloma Bauwens (CAS’25), who reflects on her campus engagement outside of classes, and shares advice with international students on how to balance academic and non-academic commitments. In Culture Corner, learn about how to adjust to dorm life at BU, including building a good relationship with your roommate(s) and getting involved in residence life.

We wish everyone a healthy and successful spring semester!

Announcements

Student Leadership Opportunities on Campus

Are you interested in a leadership opportunity on campus? Check out these opportunities by the BU Community Service Center, BU Center for Career Development, and BU Student Health Services.

CCD International Student Workshop Series

The Center for Career Development is hosting two in-person events in February focused on networking and interviewing in the U.S. Learn how to leverage your connections in the U.S. and at home and how to connect with BU alumni. Understand the intricacies of the U.S. interview process while learning how to best assess your skills and international experiences.

Register

Mental Health Resources

BU Student Health Services offers programs and resources to help students with anxiety, attention issues, adjustment and homesickness, and socio-political stress, among others. Check out the Spring 2024 Student Support Groups, from First Generation Students, to Graduate Students, to LGBTQ+, to Grief Group, which help support students’ mental health and wellbeing.

Study Abroad for International Students

Are you curious about study abroad option? Did you know many study abroad programs have rolling admissions and the applications for Summer and Fall 2024 programs are now open? Learn about the application process, available grants, and scholarships, and ask your questions at one of the Study Abroad 101 or Money Matters events or the Spring 2024 Study Abroad Expo.

More Information

Upcoming Events

Full Calendar

Student Experiences

Simran Raikundalia smiling

A Word from Students

BU Student, Paloma Bauwens (CAS’25) reflects on her campus engagement outside of classes, and shares advice with international students on how to balance academic and non-academic commitments.

Read the Full Story

How to Adjust to Dorm Life

Make your space into a new home. There are so many ways to decorate your room and make it look unique. Check out BU Today’s 52 Dorm Design Tips, featuring a comprehensive list of inexpensive, easy DIY ways to outfit your new room.

Build a good relationship with your roommate. Check out this Roommate Agreement, provided by BU Residence Life, to establish key living rules, including belongings, hygiene, studying and sleeping habits, and guests. Try to be flexible and reach compromises but remember that you are entitled to feel safe and welcome in your dorm. You can find additional tips on how to navigate relationships with your roommate(s) and establish common ground from fellow international student Myat Thadar here.

Get involved in residence life. The best way to get to know your new neighbors and to have an impact on your residence is to join your Residence Hall Association (RHA), or to become a Resident Assistant (RA) as a rising junior. It’s a great way to help your communities while also gaining important personal skills, and free housing! More information about this opportunity and the selection process can be found here.

As international students, you should know that certain positions, including Resident Assistant positions and Teaching Fellowships, are considered a 20-hour per week equivalent and students may not take another on-campus job. More international student employment guidelines can be found here.

Consider Living-Learning Communities (LLCs) and Specialty Communities. If you are interested in a faculty-guided community that focuses on experiential learning and supports discovery beyond the classroom, you should consider the BU Living-Learning Communities (LLCs) and Specialty Communities. You can find more information here.

Explore off-campus options. You are required to live on campus during your freshman year, but you can move off campus after that. If this is something you are considering, get started with the official BU off-campus living website, and check out this BU Today article with “pros” and “cons” from fellow international students before making a final decision.

Adapted from the Complete International Student Campus Survival Guide, 2020-21

The Compass

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

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