Janice Lozano
Moving to a new country can be exciting, but it can also be challenging. Culture shock and homesickness are common experiences for international students, and it can be difficult to adjust to a new environment and feel a sense of belonging. However, there are several ways to make a new place feel like home. From personalising your living space with familiar items and mementos to exploring your surroundings and trying new activities, you can create a sense of comfort and community in your new home. Additionally, reaching out to others, whether through student clubs or language exchange programmes, can help foster connections and a sense of belonging. Universities also play a role in supporting international students, offering initiatives such as buddy schemes and intercultural events to promote integration and a positive student experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ask about their interests and hobbies | Be curious |
| Discuss their country of origin | Be sensitive, respectful and flexible |
| Understand their culture shock | Nurture a sense of belonging |
| Provide academic resources | Give comfort and emotional nourishment |
| Allow personalisation of space | Bring familiar items |
| Create cheerful environments | Host social events |
| Foster intercultural understanding | Learn the local language |
| Limit Skype time |
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What You'll Learn
- Ask about their interests and hobbies, and refer them to relevant clubs
- Be sensitive, respectful, and flexible, and understand cultural differences
- Allow them to personalise their living space and create a sense of belonging
- Provide academic resources, comfort, and emotional support
- Help them navigate public transportation and local customs
Ask about their interests and hobbies, and refer them to relevant clubs
Making a new place feel like home can be challenging, especially for international students who are settling into a new country, culture, and way of life. One way to help international students feel welcome is to show an interest in their hobbies and passions. Asking questions about their interests and the activities they enjoy in their free time can be a great way to build a connection. People generally love to talk about their passions, so it can be a great conversation starter and a way to get to know someone beyond their country of origin.
Once you know a student's interests, you can suggest relevant clubs or societies that they might like to join. For example, if a student is interested in photography, you could suggest they join the Photography Club, where they can meet fellow students with similar interests. If they are interested in history, they could join the History Club, and if they are interested in acting, they could join the Drama Club.
Suggesting clubs related to a student's hobbies can help them feel more connected to their new community and provide a sense of belonging. It can also be a great way for them to meet like-minded people and make new friends. Joining a club can give them a support network and make their transition to a new place easier and less daunting.
If you are unsure of a student's hobbies, you can ask open-ended questions such as "What do you like to do in your free time?" or "What activities do you enjoy?". You could also ask about their plans for the weekend or how they spent their weekend, which can give you an insight into their hobbies and interests. It is always interesting to share your plans for a free day and get to know someone beyond a workplace or classroom setting.
In addition to suggesting clubs, you could also recommend other ways to get involved in the local community, such as volunteer work, which can be a great way to meet people and feel connected to a cause or shared goal.
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Be sensitive, respectful, and flexible, and understand cultural differences
Making a place feel like home is a challenging task, especially for international students who have to navigate cultural differences in a new country. Here are some ways to be sensitive, respectful, and flexible while understanding and embracing cultural differences:
Firstly, it is important to understand that culture is not limited to customs and traditions. It encompasses language, social norms, values, beliefs, and other forms of expression unique to a particular country or region. Being respectful and mindful of these differences is crucial to avoid causing unintentional offence. Before travelling to a new country, it is advisable to research and learn about the local culture, including basic phrases in the local language. This prior knowledge will help you navigate your new environment with more ease and confidence.
Secondly, embrace new experiences and be open-minded. It is natural to feel uncomfortable or uncertain when encountering unfamiliar customs or beliefs. However, by approaching these differences with curiosity and a willingness to learn, you can develop a deeper understanding of your host culture. Ask questions, engage in conversations, and seek to understand the perspectives of those around you. Remember, everyone has a right to their beliefs and values, even if they differ from your own.
Additionally, take advantage of resources that can aid your understanding of the local culture. Universities often provide support services and programmes specifically designed to help international students adjust and integrate. These can include buddy schemes, cultural lectures, social events, and workshops. Participating in such initiatives offers a great opportunity to meet people, develop cultural sensitivity, and foster a sense of belonging.
Lastly, remember that cultural differences should not be a barrier to connection and friendship. Despite our varied backgrounds, we share a common humanity. Be sensitive to the challenges that international students face, and offer support and flexibility as they navigate a new way of life. By creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, you can help international students feel valued and understood, making their transition smoother and more positive.
In conclusion, by embracing cultural differences with sensitivity, respect, and flexibility, you can contribute to a diverse and enriching environment for both international and domestic students alike.
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Allow them to personalise their living space and create a sense of belonging
Feeling at home in a new country can be challenging for international students. They may experience culture shock and homesickness, and it can be overwhelming to navigate a new place, with different customs, languages, and modes of transportation. However, there are ways to help international students settle in and create a sense of belonging.
One way to help international students feel at home is to allow them to personalise their living spaces. This can be as simple as rearranging furniture, hanging photos, displaying keepsakes and souvenirs, or bringing items that have been with them in previous living spaces, such as a favourite blanket or a piece of art. Personalising their environment can help fill the gap left by the absence of their immediate family and create a sense of belonging.
Students can also bring a piece of their culture to their new homes by cooking traditional meals and inviting others to join. This can spark interesting conversations and help others learn about their culture. Additionally, universities can encourage international students to lecture on their home cultures, as seen at Nottingham Trent University, fostering a sense of community and appreciation for different cultures.
To further nurture this sense of community, universities can create cheerful communal spaces with upbeat murals and notice boards. These spaces can be used for social events, such as group dinners or film nights, helping students connect and feel supported.
It is also beneficial to provide academic and emotional support. International students may face unique challenges, and offering resources and a supportive community can make them feel valued and understood. This can include language support, as learning the local language can help international students feel more integrated and able to navigate various aspects of their new life.
Lastly, encourage international students to explore their new country and try new activities. They can join different clubs, participate in campus activities, and discover new hobbies. This can help them feel more connected to their new home and create a sense of adventure and excitement.
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Provide academic resources, comfort, and emotional support
International students often face the challenge of culture shock, which can lead to feelings of disorientation due to different social norms, customs, and expectations. To make a place feel like home, academic institutions should provide academic resources, comfort, and emotional support.
Firstly, institutions should encourage international students to personalise their living spaces. This can be done by allowing them to decorate their rooms with items that remind them of home or that reflect their interests and personalities. Additionally, institutions should create welcoming and cheerful communal spaces with vibrant murals and notice boards that provide relevant information, especially on topics related to well-being and support services.
Secondly, universities should provide comprehensive orientation programs that cover all aspects of student life, including academic, social, and cultural elements. These programs are essential for international students to navigate university policies, services, and resources, as well as meet other new students. Universities can also offer buddy schemes or peer support programs, where domestic and international students are paired up to facilitate social and educational benefits. These programs can help international students feel more prepared and confident in their new environment.
Thirdly, institutions should address the mental health needs of international students, who often experience higher levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. This can be done by providing attractive student insurance programs that complement existing health policies and promote overall well-being. Universities can also raise awareness about the availability of mental health resources and ensure that students know where to go for help.
Lastly, universities can help international students feel at home by organising cultural events and activities. For example, international students can lecture their peers on their home cultures, fostering a sense of pride and sharing their unique backgrounds. Institutions can also provide opportunities for students to explore the local culture, such as through trips to restaurants, cultural attractions, and food markets that offer a taste of home. These initiatives help international students feel valued and integrated into the intellectual community.
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Help them navigate public transportation and local customs
Making a new place feel like home can be challenging, especially for international students who have moved thousands of kilometres away from their home country. Here are some ways to help international students navigate public transportation and local customs in a new place:
Public Transportation
When it comes to public transportation, it's important to familiarise yourself with the different modes of transport available in your new city or country. In large cities like New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles in the US, public transport such as buses, subways, and trains are commonly available and often the most affordable way to get around. Many cities offer special transit passes or discounts for students, so be sure to inquire about those. Download transit apps specific to your city to stay updated on schedules, routes, and fare information. These apps can be incredibly useful for planning your trips efficiently and receiving real-time updates on any delays or changes.
Additionally, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft can be a convenient alternative, especially when public transport options are limited. For students living on or near campus, universities often provide free or low-cost shuttle services, making it easier to navigate between campus buildings and dorms. If you're in a bike-friendly city, cycling can be a great, eco-friendly way to explore your surroundings at your own pace.
Local Customs
Understanding local customs is essential for settling into a new place. Here are some tips to navigate local customs as an international student:
- Be respectful and sensitive: Respecting the cultural background of others is crucial. Avoid making assumptions and be open to learning about their traditions and practices.
- Ask questions: If you're curious about something, don't hesitate to ask. Show interest in their hobbies, interests, and experiences rather than solely focusing on their country of origin.
- Navigate cultural differences: If you do something that might be considered unusual by local customs, be open to explaining cultural differences. People are generally understanding and forgiving.
- Titles and names: In the US, it is common to address people by their first name or nickname, even in professional settings. However, in educational institutions, titles like "Professor" or "Doctor" are used before family names, and "Mr." or "Miss/Mrs." are used for unmarried/married females, respectively.
- Dating culture: Understand that dating culture varies across countries. In the US, a date does not imply an invitation for sex, and consent is of utmost importance.
- Transportation-related customs: When using public transportation, always carry your student ID to access discounts. Additionally, if you're travelling internationally, ensure your documents, like your passport, are valid and easily accessible.
Navigating public transportation and understanding local customs are essential steps in making a new place feel like home. By embracing these challenges, international students can enhance their overall experience and feel more settled in their new environment.
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Frequently asked questions
It can be daunting to make friends in a new country, but there are many ways to meet people and open yourself up to new experiences. Joining a student club, taking part in campus activities, or even just starting a conversation with a fellow student can be a great way to make friends. Many universities also offer buddy schemes, which can help you meet people and feel more comfortable in your new environment.
It is completely normal to feel homesick when you're in a new place. While it's good to stay connected with your loved ones back home, try not to spend too much time on video calls as this can make it harder to adapt to your new surroundings. Instead, try to explore your new country, try new activities, and get to know your neighbourhood. It's also important to check in with yourself and acknowledge your feelings of loneliness or homesickness.
Personalising your space can help you feel more comfortable in your new place. Bring some items from home that are meaningful to you, such as photos, a favourite blanket, or a piece of art. If you're in student accommodation, you might want to redecorate your room to make it feel more like your own.
Learning the local language can be a great way to feel more integrated into a new culture, as it will help you understand cultural codes and customs. You can also try new foods and take part in cultural activities, such as calligraphy workshops or international food nights, which many universities offer.
