International business student: Prepare yourself and face new challenges

After traveling thousands of miles, you are finally a Sun Devil in the W. P. Carey School of Business! It is so brave of you to leave home alone and start your new college life abroad. Here are some tips to help you thrive, from fellow international student Yuwei Zhao.

After traveling thousands of miles, you are finally a Sun Devil in the W. P. Carey School of Business! It is so brave of you to leave home alone and start your new college life abroad. I can imagine how excited and energetic you are. However, in the meanwhile, you probably feel nervous and confused sometimes. You find it hard to make new friends with native students, get involved in clubs and organizations, adapt to “American style” life, and speak English as fluently as your classmates do. Don’t be frightened if these are happening to you. I suffered difficult times in my first year as well, and got through. Everything will be fine, and this time will become a part of your unforgettable memories.

I came to the W. P. Carey School in August 2013 as an accountancy major. I had never been abroad before, and this was my first time traveling alone. I still remember when I came out of the airport: the heat, the blue sky, the big agaves, and beautiful sunshine occupied all of my mind. After 13 hours of flight, I did not feel tired at all. In the first month, everything seemed go on so smoothly. Courses were easy for me. I got along well with my roommates and others in the residence hall. But challenges started arising after the first exam week. What happened and how did I deal with those things?

Getting involved will help you find your fit at ASU.

Get involved! You may hear about this tons of times in your orientation, your classes, and some workshops, right? It sounds so easy, but also … unclear. I had no idea what I should do at first. I saw my roommates making new friends in student organizations and doing cool stuff. I felt like there was nowhere I belonged to. At the beginning of the semester, W. P. Carey student organizations and programs had a tabling event on the Dean’s Patio. I found my business organization. I believe you will, too. Get started and good luck!

Speaking, writing, and learning in English.

English! I never felt nervous or afraid of talking with my roommates. Because they were always so patient and willing to help me with English. But others maybe not. I experienced my professors misunderstanding my questions because I could not find the words to express them correctly. My friends took me to a movie, but I did not get most of the words. These issues are so common among international students. Trust me, the more you practice, the more confident you will be. Listening and talking cannot be separated. So I forced myself to talk more with friends, classmates, and even strangers. After Christmas break, I did improve a lot. For English writing, you may make a few mistakes at first.

Writing well is not easy, even for native students. My suggestion is go to the writing center every time you write an essay (you can find appointment info on student success center website).

American culture is a challenge for most international students.

I was the first one moving into the residence hall. One of my roommates moved in on the third day. She opened the door, and gave me a HUG! It is strange in my country when people meet each other for the first time. My brain went blank, and my body turned stiff. I felt my roommate was a little embarrassed. But now, I am so comfortable with that after meeting many people. Cultures are so different around the world. You do not need to intentionally learn about it. Culture is everywhere in your life. Just keep an open mind, respect, and accept it.

The last thing I want to talk about is being professional.

In W. P. Carey, we are all business students. Don’t think a career is so far from you, especially when you are a first-year student or sophomore. Opportunities are important for international students because your relationships here start at zero. You need to seek chances to build your professional relationships and leadership experience. Finding a mentor through W. P. Carey Mentorship Programs is helpful. I joined Connectors as a mentor and the Career Discovery program as a mentee for two academic years. Both being a mentor and mentee added relationships and insights to my professional development.

I never regret being in W. P. Carey as an international student. I hope you do not either. Don’t be afraid, and take your step!