‘Part of being a global citizen is to meet people from different cultures’

A delegation from the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering and the WP Carey Business School at Arizona State University (ASU) visited India recently for a student recruitment drive. ASU had recorded for its 2016 fall session, over 2000 enrolments from India, alone. Holly Singh, Senior Director, International Students & Scholars Centre shares some suggestions on how to make the most of a study abroad experience. Edited excerpts: What are some of the challenges international students may feel in integrating in a foreign campus? To start, the academic system is new and expectations are different. Additionally, students need to learn to adapt to new surroundings, language, cuisine, social behavior, and a more diverse set of friends. We often refer to this as culture shock. Though this is natural, we try to help students integrate with both international and U.S.-based students. Helping students Holly Singh adapt to a new culture is a main objective of the International Students and Scholars Center at ASU.

Part of being a truly global citizen is to live in a different culture, meet people from various backgrounds, and learn new perspectives. With tightening work regulations, why should indian students opt for us as a study abroad destination over workfriendly destinations like Australia and new zealand? Though I cannot to directly comment about job prospects in Australia and New Zealand, the US continues to provide a strong job market for top students from India. Additionally, ASU continues to welcome top students from all countries. how can one take best advantage of an international education? International education is a holistic package that develops a student’s skillset, but also their worldview. Not only do international students learn in a new education system while studying abroad, but they also make new friendships in a culture that is foreign to them. This helps develop their confidence and expands their worldview.

I recommend that students engage with the new community in which they find themselves. Learn about the culture and its norms. In the US, be prepared to participate in classes, work hard, and collaborate.

Meet as many people as possible – from classmates, to faculty, to people in the community who want to connect with international students. The best way to benefit from an international education is to thrive academically, while also engaging with the community outside the classroom.