5 Tips for Starting Your International Student Life
According to research by OECD, nearly 4.3 million students are enrolled in university-level education outside their home country, with a total of 6 million international students for every grade-level worldwide. Pursuing outstanding education and seeking better job opportunities have been the driving force behind educational immigration for decades, especially among Asian students, representing 53% of international students worldwide.
I was and will continue to be an “international student.” I left my home in Hanoi, Vietnam, the summer before my sophomore year in high school to attend St. Pius X. I wanted to major in Psychology in the United States, and people have a higher chance of getting admitted to good colleges if they studied Highschool in America. A wise man once said, “The price you pay for greater knowledge is the comfort of your shelter.” And maybe he was right.
Stepping into a new world is one of the most significant leaps you could take. It holds the promise of a glamorous new chapter in the story of your life, but under every light, there lies a shadow.
I was excited to look over the airplane’s windows and longed for the moment I could experience the United States. As a child, I only knew about America from Vietnam’s national television channels like VTV. I wanted to share “the American dream” that my parents have always talked about, and so I was willing to leave my family and friends to find it.
That’s until suddenly, I realized I am a grown-up. I had to learn to look after myself when I barely had the strength to. I still vividly remember having dragged myself out of bed, cooked meals, and applied medicine to my muscle aches while I had COVID- 19 for 2 weeks. Sometimes I would call my mom crying about how hard it was to be in a terrible health condition but still had to give it my best. I only had myself, and I lost my sense of belonging. But it slowly gets better once I have gotten the hang of it.
Integrating into life in my Texas boarding school took me about a month. Good news, you can skip that part and jump straight to action because I am here to give you the steps.
Keep these 5 tips on the front page of your travel notebook, and you'll thrive as an international student.
1. Settle at your destination at least 1 week before school starts.
Traveling internationally inevitably involves time changes, and they can interrupt your sleep schedule and appetite. Because of this, it is best if you arrive a week or two before the start of school. This is especially important if willing to have a 7 to 12-hour difference. If you have a 4 to 6-hour time difference, I recommend arriving 1 week prior and 5 days early if you have under a 4-hour difference. By arriving early, you will be able to get proper rest and get used to the language and cultural differences. Go out, discover your neighborhood, and rememberest the alarm for every activity you do, including meals. Vietnam is 12 hours away from Texas, so I arrived 2 before my first day of school, which gave me plenty of time to get used to the weather and the time- zone.
2. Research your new country’s customs and culture ahead of time
Every country has different cultural norms and customs, and it’s best if you assume this from the start. While ill expect significant differences, some students are surprised to see differences even in minor things. For example, Japanese students sometimes enter classrooms with their shoes off, or people have to tip their servers in the US but never in China. In Vietnam, students wear a red scarf as a mandatory part of their uniforms, while Brazilian students don’t. To prepare for your new country, you should conduct research. Reach out to your school counselor or student life director and ask for advice, or simply ask current students about their experiences. It is also essential to keep an open mind and embrace these differences; practice adaptivity. After months of looking forward to studying abroad, culture shock can come as a surpriResearchinghing and asking questions before you arrive, you can help yourself adapt to your new environment. Once you have settled in your new environment, try attending festivals or events like the Yuan Xiao festival in China or the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in Australia. You would want to be involved in as many social events as possible because you’ll know how people like to have fun hey interact better if you’re part of the crowd. As for me, I only knew “Howdy partners r.” was not an actual thing once I attended the Houston Rodeo in Texas, or at least, people don’t ride horses everywhere. I have to a; It, I was a bit disappointed.
3. Connect with your teachers and mentors
The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence found that students with positive connections with their teachers perform much more efficiently in school. While succeeding academically is essential, these connections can also aid you in getting used to a new culture and way of life. Your mentors will introduce you to what other students like to do, and you’ll get an insight into how local people your age are different from yours at home. Many teachers are eager to form relationships with their students, particularly in the United States. Please take advantage of the tutorials or extra study sessions they offer, and do not be afraid to share any concerns. Because many teachers and professors serve as mentors, having a healthy relationship will give you someone to turn to for support and advice.
4. Join international student groups, clubs, and volunteer organizations.
Most schools with international students have an international club. Those students will most likely understand your struggles being away from home, and you might bond and support each other. Join other clubs such as art, music, sports, service, anything! Students are more likely to have connections and close friendships if they share common interests. Based on a research project on Positive Psychology from the Yale Psychology Department, individuals are happier and mentally healthier when helping others. Therefore, consider engaging in community service. Humans are social animals and thrive when among others. Joining a club or organization will allow you to find good friends and loving mentors and begin to develop your interests. I joined a non-profit organization called Kid’s Meals and helped decorate lunch bags for children. I met a fantastic boy who loves art like me. You could probably guess by now that Lucas and I have become best friends.
5. Memorize Psychological First Aid Tips.
There will be moments when you might face a mental health crisis, like a sudden panic attack, and you will need the appropriate skills to recognize and de-escalate those situations. Focus on breathing correctly before anything else. There are 3 crucial steps to help drag yourself out of a bad situation:
The 3-3-3 rule: Look around you and name three things you see. After that, name three sounds you can hear. Finally, move three body parts, like your ankle, fingers, or arm. This psychological trick will help your brain focus on reality, centering your mind back to the present. It is advantageous, especially when you feel like your thoughts are spiraling.
The 4-7-8 rule: During a panic attack, your heart begins to beat rapidly. When this happens, try the 4-7-8 breathing technique: breath in for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 and exhale slowly for 8. Continue this process until you feel your heart rate decrease.
Do NOT lie down: By lying down, you are compressing your lungs and heart, which causes them to work even harder, making breathing hard. Sit up with your back straight, arms relaxed on your sides, and bring your shoulders slightly forward. This will create a clear airway toward your lungs to help you breathe better.
Contact someone for help. If you do not have a trusted friend or adult to reach out to, you can chat with a professional at 7 Cups (https://www.7cups.com/) or find a local Helpline via Find a Helpline (https://findahelpline.com/i/iasp)
Being an international student can be challenging but also a unique and eye-opening experience. While there will be an adjustment period, if you follow these tips, you will be on your way to becoming a ‘professional’ international student. Let's show the world what you're made of!
