Many people in the United States haven’t even heard of Auburn, AL, much less students from another country! So what is it like to travel across the globe and make a home for yourself in rural Alabama? We interviewed some of our international students to find out.
What are the hardest adjustments you’ve had to make?
· Language barriers – Even if they have been speaking English and studied for many years before they came to United States, the classroom can be a challenging atmosphere. It can be intimidating to raise your hand in a classroom or participate in a discussion when English isn’t your first language.
· Living by themselves also posed new challenges. Many things that seem so commonplace for Americans are very different from what they are used to in their home countries.
· Classrooms in the United States are very collaborative and involve more participation from students. Meeting new professors was also difficult for them since the academic environments in other countries are often very different.
· Writing assignments can be challenging, however, they were blessed with the Miller Writing Center. Students have access to free tutoring and assistance with their writing assignments, which allows the students to focus more on their coursework.
· Many students also experience home sickness. It can take up to two days to travel to Auburn from their homes. With the stress of travel and being so far from home, it’s easy to feel lonely and isolated.
What was the best experience while being a student at Auburn University?
· The most common answer was making new friends. Some students were invited for Thanksgiving meals, and loved the atmosphere and hospitality.
· Trying new foods is also a great experience in a new country. Some of the more popular foods like hamburgers and Mellow Mushroom pizza were their top choices. And of course, the famous Toomer’s Corner lemonade! One student told me that his everyday lunch was two slices of mellow mushroom pizza with a sweet tea.
· Many students enjoyed taking advantage of the school’s resources, like joining the gym and some found a church that fits their personality.
What are your favorite things about Auburn University?
· Many students have enjoyed the people, spending time with their new friends, and the traditions. Samford Hall is one of their favorite buildings on campus, and of course football season!
What are your least favorite things about Auburn University?
· When I asked this question, they couldn’t think of anything!
While there are certainly challenges coming to a new country to learn, many of our students have found it to be a very rewarding and positive experience. Whether it’s making new friends, trying new foods, or experiencing the traditions that make Auburn unique, every student at Auburn finds a way to make it feel like home.
