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WELCOME INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS. Dreams and plans. This is a moment you will remember You planned this for a long time Now you are here Everyone in this room is starting new This is a chapter in the book of your life. What do you all have in common?.
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Dreams and plans • This is a moment you will remember • You planned this for a long time • Now you are here • Everyone in this room is starting new • This is a chapter in the book of your life
What do you all have in common? • All felt a need and interest to study abroad • All got information and came to MSU • Took the TOEFL • You have now traveled great distances • Some of you will be tired from traveling • Familiar surroundings are gone • Got a visa and are now subject to U.S. laws
You all now arrive in our community • Many of you do not know anyone here • Everyone has an interesting story to how they planned and got here • We look forward to hearing your stories
Your stories are interesting • OISS essay contest • Write your story • Best essay wins $1,000
What’s not new? • You are part of a long tradition • Studying abroad is not new • Centuries ago scholars went to great centers of learning • India, Athens, Egypt among others • MSU ranks among the top research universities in the U.S. and you now live in a great center of learning
What is new? • The U.S. response to terrorism • Heightened bureaucracy created more rules • This means you must understand the rules about your immigration status in the U.S. • You will hear more about this later
Study abroad is an adventure • Living outside your country will change you and the way you see the world • Life is not always predictable • Confronting different values • Confronting different ways • The leopard cannot cross the river without getting wet
Common questions from new students • What will it be like here? • Will I succeed? • How will I cope being away from family and friends? • Will I make new friends? • Who will help me?
Can I manage in English all the time? • Is it safe here? • Will others understand my feelings? • You will soon have answers to those questions
What we know about you • International students are high achievers • International students work hard • International students are willing to take risks • You are successful in your home country • People respect you for the challenge you are taking
Look around you • Everyone else is on the same path • You have a lot in common with others in this room
Challenges of being new • The simplest things are strange • Using the phone • Riding the bus • Knowing where to shop • Needing the help of others
Be patient with yourself • Everyone before you survived • You will learn quickly • You will have some confusion • You should accept help • Next year, you can help others at ISO
Adjusting • How much time to feel comfortable here? • All students have stress • As a representative of your country; people will ask about culture, politics, and other matters • Everyone can learn from everyone else here
MSU’s International Community • 3, 300 students • 850 faculty and scholars • 136 countries represented • 7% of MSU students • More than 30 international associations and clubs
When else in your life will you have the opportunity to get to know so many people from so many places? This is a special moment that can transform your life.
MSU’s international traditions • First U.S. university to create the position of Dean of International Studies and Programs • International Center built in 1964 • CVIP provides friendship programs for more than 40 years • #1 U.S. university for study abroad • Your presence here is part of internationalization of MSU
MSU has strong commitment to serving international students • It is an honor for OISS staff to work with you • International education is very important way to learn about others in today’s world
Feelings of last year’s students • Excited to be here • Felt a bit lost and confused at the start • Full of hope, but a bit nervous • Already homesick missing family & friends • Frustrated they could not communicate their true intelligence in English
Very enthusiastic to be here • Curious about everything • Feeling overwhelmed….so much to do and so little time • Worried about money • Open to new experiences, but not yet comfortable
Information overload • People only remember 20% of what they hear • Orientation can be too much • Must feel comfortable asking questions • No question is a bad question
Goals for Orientation • Provide warm welcome to MSU and the community of East Lansing • Help you make new friends; many of you do not know anyone else here • Help you know where to go for help later • Provide information to get you started here
Tips for success • People will help you if you ask questions • Remember your goals • Keep your sense of humor • Stay open to new experiences • Work to understand the ways Americans do things • Withhold judgment of others • Make use of all resources: people and tech
Conclusion • We are fortunate you are here • Your presence on campus enriches MSU • You have special challenges • We will do our best to help you • We are looking forward to knowing you
Announcements • Introduce OISS staff • ISO volunteers • Welcome dinner tickets • Orientation for parents • Break out into groups
