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International Student Buddy Training Workshop . Why is the international student buddy program important?. Believe it or not, you are contributing to a better global understanding between cultures! Global understanding is achieved one relationship at a time. . What are t he e xpectations? .
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Why is the international student buddy program important? • Believe it or not, you are contributing to a better global understanding between cultures! • Global understanding is achieved one relationship at a time.
What are the expectations? • Be there as your buddy is adjusting to life at Longwood (especially important in the first two weeks!) • Help them with navigating the campus, understanding the academic and social environment, etc. • Take an active interest in your buddy. Seek to understand them and their culture. Encourage them to ask questions. Find out what their interests are, invite them to activities, and show them you are someone who cares about them.
What will my buddy be like? • This is a good question! International Students at Longwood come from a wide variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. • Most likely, they will smart, motivated and curious about American culture. • Your buddy will likely have a different perception about some aspects of American culture such as social relationships, individuality, and privacy.
What is culture shock • Culture shock is a completely normal process. Adjusting to a new culture and environment does not happen overnight! • Most people who live in a foreign country will experience it.
When Things Don’t Go As Planned… • Be patient and seek to understand. Your buddy may going through the stages of culture shock. • Talk with your buddy. Tell them what you hope to provide and what your buddy expects from the relationship. • Sometimes one-on-one conversations with your buddy may seen “awkward,” especially at first. Find some common interests or… • Try meeting as a group with another student from your buddy’s home country there for comfort.
How do I follow Up? • I will email you soon to tell you the name of your buddy and where they are from. • Be sure to come to the International Student Welcome Reception! This is where you will meet your buddy for the first time. • Make you that you are achieving the expectations for an International Student Buddy. • Email me with any questions (swansonhr@longwood.edu)
