How Foreign Students Can Feel at Home
In 2015, the Institute of International Education released a report that showed America having more foreign students than ever before. There were a million students who were not born in American soil, the report pointed out, who valued American education more than young locals would ever show. Many of these students were children of middle-class parents from China and India, who could afford the expensive tuition fee. Imagine the millions of dollars that were poured into these colleges. (And many of these institutions needed funding.) A series of events these past months would suggest a turnaround. Two years could make a huge difference.
Donald Trump's victory in the presidential elections sent a chill across the mainland. Foreigners coming from the Middle East won't feel at home at all while young Indian students would be wary about their safety after they witnessed the Kansas shooting. And then the Las Vegas shooting. It might be too early to call it a point of no return, but recent figures could point to that direction. A forty percent decrease in the number of foreign students from the total two years ago. It would be almost half, which is nearly a steep drop (in the chart).
If you're planning to enroll in an American college (or your parents want it), then you must have second thoughts. You'll evaluate your options, as studying in Australia seems too hard to pass up. (The proximity will make it a sensible choice.) If you're a first-year student, then dropping out won't be the right thing to do. (You have spent more than $50,000.) Studying in America is still the best investment, and you don't need to live like a political exile. There's always a way if you want it.
Adjusting Made Easy
Explore your surroundings. You can chat with your old friends back home through Skype, you can visit the nearby colleges as well. There's nothing to lose if you choose the latter. You may not feel welcomed after stepping foot in the English Department, but you won't get a rude awakening either. (You have figured it out during Freshers Week.) You can also drop by the library, where the staff members are likely to be accommodating to your needs. (If you're in a curious mode, then you won't get a different outcome.) The university will be your home away from home, so you might try to familiarize with the place. It's the best means to overcome culture shock.
Politeness goes a long way. There's nothing new about America being a melting pot, which would go back to the turn of the century. Then again, many (American) students won't agree to the idea of an intercultural happening right away. There's no need to have one, they would say in an instant. Some might not be at ease. (Is it a white thing? Perhaps.) You can't do much, but a few things could make a difference. The diversity should turn into a dynamic environment, but you're standing on shaky ground. A nice gesture should prompt others to be less guarded about their actions. A little generosity would make them smile at you. And a friendly conversation should turn your meeting into a less-formal happening. The last one leads to the next item.
Get together. It may not be United Nations, but foreign students could share stories. They could inspire each other as well. They could forget their homesickness. This won't be hard if you're thinking of your fellow countrymen, but you can go beyond (and invite the others). It should be fun, yet don't expect much. Dinner should be the right occasion for it. You must be wise to avoid certain topics. (No mention of He Who Must Not Be Named.)
Try to reinvent yourself. This seems to be a challenging part especially those who come from traditional societies. You can offend your parents, if not alienate your relatives and friends back home. Then again, it's a necessary thing. It will help you handle the long distance. The change(s) will turn out for the best. Talk about it with your parents, whom you can expect to count on. Communication will eliminate any trouble, which includes your coursemates.
Look around your room. You want to feel at home, so you will decorate your room with photos and souvenir items from your hometown. Your dorm mates (and course mates) will look at it with awe, helping you gain some buddies along the way. You won't feel left out. (There are some students coming from privileged background, even some who have traveled to many countries before they set foot in the university. You don't have to green with envy.) If you tend to spend more time in your personal space, then don't worry about it. You need a familiar face, if not things.
What If Your College Doesn't Meet Your Expectations?
The question might be a product of your anxiety, as you keep on wondering how students will perceive you. It can be homesickness, almost overwhelming you. It might be the Trump effect. Go around and find out what have made you decided to apply for a place here. If it's not that, then it could be the program. Motivation won't be a problem.
College could be your greatest experience, if not one of the highlights of your life. Not everything would be perfect, if not meet your (high) standard. Find a balance between your studies and social life, as you and other foreign students are starting together and about to live shoulder to shoulder.
