White Sand National Park |
Thursday, March 14, 2024
REC for Domestic Travel Destination - Albuquerque, New Mexico
Thursday, February 22, 2024
Making Connections: Building a Supportive Network as an International Student
Picture this: you step foot onto campus grounds, a myriad of emotions swirling within you like leaves dancing in the wind. Orientation beckons, a symphony of introductions and icebreakers set against the backdrop of excitement and anticipation. Here, amidst the laughter and shared stories, seeds of friendship are sown, destined to bloom into the vibrant garden of your university experience.
As the days unfold like chapters in a book, you find yourself drawn to the canvas of student life, each stroke a testament to the rich tapestry of experiences awaiting you. Joining clubs and organizations becomes your brush, painting strokes of passion and purpose across the canvas of campus culture. From the vibrant hues of cultural clubs to the bold strokes of athletic prowess, there’s a space for every shade of your identity to shine.
Tips for Meeting New People and Making Friends
- Attend Orientation Events: Orientation week is an excellent opportunity to meet other new students
and start forming connections. Be sure to participate in icebreaker activities, campus tours, and
welcome events organized by your university. Join Clubs and Organizations: Get involved in student clubs and organizations that align with your
interests and hobbies. Whether you're passionate about sports, culture, academics, or volunteering,
there's likely a club for you. Joining clubs is a great way to meet like-minded peers and expand your
social circle.
3. Utilize Social Media: Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn can be valuable tools for connecting with other students, both locally and internationally. Join university-specific groups and online communities to engage with fellow students, ask questions, and share experiences
4. Participate in Group Study Sessions: Forming study groups with classmates is not only beneficial academically but also provides opportunities for social interaction and collaboration. Work together on assignments, study for exams, and share insights and resources.
Thursday, November 30, 2023
My experience in Boston Career Forum 2023!
Hey guys! This is Rei, it has been chilly and foggy these days but I hope you are all staying healthy and enjoying the crisp air. In today's blog, I would like to share my experiences in Boston which I went last week for one of the biggest job career events for Japanese-English bilinguals that are looking for their post graduation positions.
Exterior of Hynes Convention Center |
Booths in the venue |
Food I had at dinner! |
View of the Boston |
Monday, November 13, 2023
Understanding the U.S. Education System: Key Differences for International Students
Let's face it, being an international student is not easy! A few of the challenges we face can range from language barrier to culture shock, from home sickness to discrimination. You name it.
One of the many reasons International Students tend to under-perform is because of their inadequacy in awareness of the U.S education system and grading system?
Selam! (That's how we say greet in Ethiopia). It's Brooke here. In today's blog I am going to dive into discussion of the US education curriculum and grading system. Although this maybe obvious to some, I am confident many of you with find this useful.
As an international student, it is important to understand the U.S. education system and how it differs from the education system you've thus far gone through.
Today's blog aims to empower current and new international students with the knowledge and understanding they need to navigate the U.S. education system successfully and make the most of their academic experience in the United States.
In order to fully understand the U.S. education system it's important to keep the following points in mind:
- Curriculum and course selection
- Grading and evaluation
- Education structure
- Classroom dynamics
- Campus life and support services
- Cultural adjustment
CURRICULUM AND COURSE SELECTION
You may find that most U.S. schools provide a liberal arts education where students have the opportunity to take classes outside of their major which ultimately helps them to become a holistic/well rounded student by the time they finish school. In fact, several companies prefer students that have received a liberal arts education.
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Guest Blogger: Meet Rayen from Tunisia!
Hi all - Rei here!
I hope you are doing well and getting ready for the rain/cold season that is about to come! A lot of people say that people in Washington do not own an umbrella, however there is actually quite a number of people who use their umbrellas on campus! So don't hesitate to use them and protect yourself from the wind and the rain!
📍Pike Place Market |
Today's blog is the take over of the guest blogger, Rayen! Rayen is from Tunisia, an exchange student at PLU, and he is majoring in Communication. Rayen is joining PLU as an exchange student for one academic year supported by the US department of States and IREX (A global development & education organization). He is the first international student to join PLU as a Thomas Jefferson Program scholar! Even though he has a limited time to study in PLU, he is actively getting involved with a variety of clubs and organizations here such as the founder of the African Student Association at PLU, and volunteer as a tutor at PLU Literacy Center. I asked Rayen some questions about student life in PLU which I hope would be helpful for students who are considering applying to PLU and for current PLU students!
How long have you been living in the U.S. and how did you feel about the transition from your hometown to the U.S.?
'Aslema!' - as we usually say to greet our friends and family in Tunisia.What surprised you the most when coming to the U.S.?
Rayen with members of the African Student Union |