Savanna Hoffman
International students often have a lot to be thankful for, from the opportunity to travel and experience new cultures to the chance to make lifelong friends and forge meaningful connections. Many international students in the US, for instance, are grateful for the chance to celebrate American holidays like Thanksgiving, either with an American host family or with other international students. Some also express gratitude for the educational and cultural exchange, which broadens their horizons and enhances their understanding of the world. Others are thankful for the personal growth that comes with studying abroad, as well as the opportunity to develop language skills and gain independence. International students in China, meanwhile, have recently expressed relief and excitement about the lifting of COVID-related restrictions, which will allow them to show their home countries and cultures to friends and family.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Family | Parents, siblings, spouse, children |
| Education | Quality of education, diverse classrooms, equal opportunities, learning a new language |
| Friends | Old and new friends, international friends |
| Teachers | Supportive teachers |
| Travel | Exposure to new places, cultures, and activities |
| Personal growth | Gaining independence, self-confidence, and new skills |
| Health | Good health |
| Peace | Living in a peaceful environment |
| Religion | God and faith |
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What You'll Learn
Exposure to new cultures
International students get to experience diverse classrooms, interact with people from different backgrounds, and create lasting relationships with fellow students from the host country. This fosters an understanding and appreciation of different cultures, as well as the development of valuable networking connections. It also allows students to discover new interests and talents they might not have explored otherwise, such as water sports, snow skiing, or a passion for plays and movies.
Studying abroad demonstrates to graduate school admissions boards that students are diverse, curious, and willing to take on challenges. It showcases their commitment to education and their ability to adapt to new environments. This can be a valuable asset when applying to graduate schools or seeking employment, especially in the host country where the education received is recognised.
The exposure to new cultures also extends beyond the classroom. International students can immerse themselves in the local community, attend themed activities that help them understand the culture, and even seek work opportunities in their host country. This well-rounded experience enhances their understanding of the world and can shape their future career paths and personal lives.
Overall, the exposure to new cultures that international students gain is invaluable. It offers them a chance to grow academically, personally, and professionally, while also providing a unique perspective on the world that they may not have otherwise encountered.
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Improved employment prospects
International students often choose to study abroad to improve their career prospects. In the case of students in the United States, they hope to gain a competitive advantage in the job market, regardless of where they ultimately reside and work after graduating.
International students can gain valuable work experience in the US by taking advantage of work authorization options such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT allows students to work off-campus in roles directly related to their major, while OPT permits them to work for up to 12 months in a job related to their field of study, with a potential 24-month extension for STEM majors.
According to the Pew Research Center, between 2008 and 2016, about 1.5 million foreign graduates from US colleges and universities were approved to work under the OPT program. The New York-Newark-Jersey City metro area had the highest number of foreign graduates under the OPT program (218,000), followed by Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim (103,600) and Boston-Cambridge-Newton (73,000). Amazon, the largest employer for OPT graduates, tends to hire graduates with STEM degrees, particularly those with computer and mathematical jobs, such as software developers.
International students can also gain work experience on or off-campus through internships, which may even turn into full-time jobs after graduation. Additionally, students can develop essential career-readiness skills by actively engaging on campus through volunteering, joining student organizations, and pursuing on-campus employment. These activities help students improve their teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills, which are highly valued by employers.
Overall, international students can improve their employment prospects by taking advantage of work authorization programs, gaining valuable work experience, and developing career-ready skills through on-campus activities.
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Making lifelong friends
New Experiences Together
International students often find themselves in new and unfamiliar environments, and navigating these experiences with new friends can create strong bonds. Whether it's exploring a new city, trying local cuisine, or participating in cultural activities, shared experiences bring people closer together.
Cultural Exchange
Friendships formed between international students and local students facilitate a unique cultural exchange. International students get to learn about the local culture, traditions, and customs from their friends, while also sharing their own cultural heritage. This exchange fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of different lifestyles, beliefs, and perspectives.
Support System Away from Home
Being away from family and familiar surroundings can be challenging. Lifelong friends provide a crucial support system during an international student's journey. They offer companionship, understanding, and a sense of belonging in a new place. Friends can help each other navigate homesickness, academic pressures, and the challenges of adapting to a different educational system.
Broadening Horizons
Friendships made during international studies can expose students to different viewpoints, broadening their horizons. Through meaningful conversations, sharing of ideas, and exchanging stories, students gain new insights and perspectives. This exchange can shape their worldview, enhance their critical thinking skills, and promote personal growth.
Lasting Connections
The friends made during international studies often become lifelong companions. Even after returning to their respective countries, these friends can maintain their connections and create global networks. These friendships provide opportunities for future collaborations, personal growth, and even international career prospects.
International students are grateful for the opportunity to form these meaningful and lasting friendships, which not only enhance their academic experience but also contribute to their personal development and sense of belonging in a global community.
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Supportive faculty
International students often face numerous challenges, including language barriers, cultural differences, and feelings of isolation. In such situations, having a supportive faculty can make all the difference.
A supportive faculty can help international students navigate the academic, cultural, and social aspects of their new environment. They can provide guidance and resources to help students succeed in their studies and adapt to the education system. This might include offering language classes or additional support to improve language skills, which can be crucial for international students' academic performance and overall integration.
Additionally, a supportive faculty can facilitate cultural exchange and understanding. They can organize cultural events, workshops, or activities that celebrate diversity and help international students share their heritage with others. This not only enriches the campus community but also fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion for international students, who may feel homesick or struggle with cultural differences.
The faculty's support can also extend beyond the classroom. Many international students face unique challenges, such as navigating visa processes, securing accommodation, or dealing with homesickness. A supportive faculty can provide practical advice and assistance in these areas, helping students feel more settled and able to focus on their studies. This might include having dedicated staff members who are familiar with visa regulations and can guide students through the necessary procedures, or providing resources and support groups for international students to connect and support each other.
Furthermore, a supportive faculty can also enhance the overall well-being of international students. This may involve offering mental health services or counseling to help students cope with the stress and anxiety that may arise from adjusting to a new country and culture. Providing a range of extracurricular activities, clubs, or sports teams can also help international students build new social connections, find support networks, and develop a sense of community within the school or university.
Lastly, a supportive faculty can act as mentors and advocates for international students, helping them to make the most of their time abroad. They can offer career guidance, internship opportunities, or industry connections that can benefit students' long-term goals and future careers, especially if they wish to work in their host country after graduation.
In conclusion, a supportive faculty can play a pivotal role in an international student's experience, helping to overcome challenges, fostering a sense of belonging, and enabling personal growth and academic success. Their guidance, resources, and encouragement can leave a lasting impact, ensuring that international students not only survive but thrive during their time overseas.
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Opportunities to travel
International students often express gratitude for the opportunities to travel that arise during their studies. Travel can provide a unique chance to broaden one's horizons, explore new places, and gain invaluable experiences. Here are some ways that international students can take advantage of travel opportunities during their time abroad:
Student Travel Programs
Student travel programs are a fantastic way for young students to explore the world while also gaining educational and cultural experiences. These programs are typically designed to provide a balance of travel, exploration, and educational components such as language immersion or cultural classes. They are often tailored to high school students, offering opportunities during summer breaks or gap years before college. For example, the "Travel for Teens" program offers over 100 different immersive experiences in 40 countries, focusing on community service, outdoor recreation, language learning, and more. Similarly, "The Experiment in International Living" provides high schoolers with immersive cultural experiences and foreign language skills in various countries.
International Internships
International internships are another avenue for international students to travel and gain valuable work experience simultaneously. Most universities have partnerships with overseas affiliates or partners that offer internship opportunities. These internships may not provide monetary compensation, but they often reimburse housing and travel costs. Including an international internship on one's resume demonstrates initiative, a willingness to learn, and an open attitude to new experiences.
Conferences and Volunteering
Presenting at conferences or volunteering abroad can also provide international students with travel opportunities. Many conferences offer faculty travel funding that covers flights and accommodations. Additionally, volunteering programs offer financial support, free accommodation, and meals in exchange for one's time and skills. These options allow international students to travel to new places while also gaining professional experience or contributing to meaningful causes.
Personal Travel
Aside from academic or work-related travel, international students can also take advantage of personal travel opportunities during their studies. Whether it's exploring nearby cities or countries during school breaks or annual vacations, students can broaden their horizons and gain cultural insights. However, it is important for international students to follow the necessary procedures, such as checking their visa status and ensuring smooth re-entry to their country of study.
Being an international student comes with unique privileges, and the ability to travel and explore new places is undoubtedly one of them. Through student travel programs, internships, conferences, volunteering, or personal trips, international students can create memorable experiences and gain a deeper understanding of the world.
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Frequently asked questions
International students often cite the people they meet and the relationships they forge as what they are most thankful for. This includes friends made during exchange programs, local families who welcome them for meals, and staff and orientation leaders who support them.
International students can contribute to their host countries by bringing cultural exchange, fostering peace, and creating a worldwide network of individuals committed to leadership and citizenship.
International students often cherish the opportunity to travel and explore new places, including visiting friends in other countries and experiencing local holidays and traditions, such as Thanksgiving dinner.
International students may be thankful for the chance to challenge themselves and discover new strengths, the support of friends during challenging experiences, and the opportunity to learn and grow in a new environment. They may also be grateful for the host country's COVID policies that prioritize people's lives and allow them to reunite with friends and family.
