You crammed your entire life into a backpack, a carry-on, and a suitcase. You eventually arrived at UT after flying to Austin. What comes next?
It’s uncommon to be an international student at a university, but you’re joining a community that embraces variety from around the world. UT has more than 1,936 international undergraduate students from 130 different countries, according to Texas Global. The Forty Acres is more than just a prestigious university; it is a nexus of worldviews, languages, and cultures.
Celebrate for a moment. It takes real bravery to commit to UT and leave behind your family, your native country, and everything you know. You have sacrificed to realize your dream, and you deserve to be here.
I was born in El Paso, but I lived in Mexico City for 13 years. Although returning to America for college was a difficult decision, it turned out to be one of the best ones I’ve ever made. It pushed me to develop both intellectually and personally.
I wish someone had informed me these things.
Find your folks first.Attend as many Welcome Week activities as you can, and make an effort to meet new people. During these first few weeks, everyone is new and trying to make friends. Simply speaking your language or having a similar cultural background can have a significant impact, but it’s even better if they’re from your city or nation. Homesickness is lessened and a sense of belonging is fostered when you are surrounded by people who get you.
Secondly, make contact with your instructors. Don’t be scared to speak with them during office hours. They are here to support you, even if they may initially seem scary. Since many teachers are foreigners themselves or have ties to your home country, be willing to share your experiences as an international student. Meaningful connections can result from finding shared ground.
Third, strike up a conversation. Before or after class, have a conversation with your peers. Making the effort can have a significant impact, even if it feels odd at first. You’ll come to recognize that things aren’t as dire or far-flung as they appear. It’s also a fantastic method to improve your communication skills and get more at ease while speaking to strangers. These little interactions might result in study groups, friendships, or just making you feel more comfortable in a strange setting.
Fourth, get involved in groups or organizations for students that let you use your particular set of skills.HornsLink makes it simple to locate these. For instance, in order to put my Spanish talents to use and perform translation duties, I joined Texan en Espa olandProject SEED.
Fifth, look for comfort food. Homesickness can be lessened by local restaurants that serve food you like, especially those that bring back memories. It’s a modest but significant approach to maintain ties to your heritage while acclimating to a new environment.
Sixth, remember to ask for assistance when you need it and make use of the many resources the university provides. This includes the 24/7 Perry-Casta Eda Library for excellent study spaces, the University Writing Center for assistance with written tasks, the Counseling and Mental Health Center for free counseling sessions, and the Sager Learning Center for tutoring.
Seventh, just have patience; it takes time to get used to it.
Although it may not seem as straightforward as following these seven suggestions, the journey is unquestionably worthwhile.
You’ll be shaped in unexpected ways by your time here, and before you realize it, you’ll have created a home away from home.
Mendoza is a senior from El Paso, Texas, who studies philosophy.
