Students who are venturing into the exciting experience of attending college abroad have taken a big step, but there’s still so much to do!
Most of us can recall how it felt to start at a new school, a new job, etc. Even if the faces and environment were familiar, there still may have been brief moments of awkwardness that may have been uncomfortable for us. Likewise, one can assume that going to a school in another country will bring similar feelings, but on a different level!
For one, this is college! Even professors might find a new semester challenging as he or she must familiarize him or herself with a new group of students at least two or three times a year! Imagine having to remember all those names!
Adjusting, for students, is probably no different. In fact, it is perfectly normal to feel some sort of dis-ease in a new environment.
As an international student, Florida National University (FNU) understands that there is much more to adapt to than just new faces. In actuality, meeting new people is the first thing a student should do if he or she wants to quickly adjust to campus life in Florida.
Here are more tips from FNU:
Get Involved with the Student Government Association
It is not required to make friends, but it will make life a little easier. Whether one is a loner or desires to have more friends than he or she can count, getting involved with school activities is the way to do it!
The Student Government Association (SGA) at FNU is a great for international students to get involved! Being a part of the SGA is a perfect way to meet new people. FNU’s SGA, acting as the link between students and administration, is structured to helps students, both domestic and international, to not only meet new people but also to get involved in organizing campus events.
There is much to do within the SGA so students can be as involved as they choose to be. They can run for office as the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer or serve as a supporting SGA representative. Whatever a student chooses to do, as long as he or she is involved, it will make an attractive bullet point on his or her academic record and/or resume.
Getting involved can provide you with skills like public speaking and critical thinking skills that will help you stand out from a pile of resumes. After all, the goal of going to college is obtaining a rewarding career. Getting involved gets you one step closer to the career of your dreams!
Other Student Activities
Getting involved with diplomatic relations may not be for everyone. For the more active pupil, FNU’s athletic department offers students the opportunity to join our Conquistador soccer, basketball, or volleyball team! FNU believes that through sports, students can develop a well-rounded education. Through structured competition, one can develop life skills of discipline, integrity, leadership, philanthropy and social responsibility. Through this, FNU hopes to elevate ethnic and cultural diversity not only in the athletic programs, but throughout our campus
Quickly Become Familiar with Local Customs
When studying abroad anywhere in the world, it is highly recommended to familiarize oneself with the customs and basic traditions of the culture to where one will be studying. What one thing means in one culture might be offensive in another. It is important to understand how to communicate, but it is extremely important to know how to be a local when visiting another country, especially if one plans on living there for four years or more.
Get to Know Your University
FNU believes that in order for students to get the most out of their education, they must get involved with their university. In order to do that, they need to understand the mission statement of the university. FNU offers orientation sessions for new students. This is the perfect opportunity to meet the faculty and get a better understanding of what the university has to offer.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
This is school! Students are expected to ask questions. Professors are thrilled to answer questions because that is what they do—it’s their job! Whether the subject is academically related or pertains to adjusting to life in Florida, FNU students should never feel intimidated to ask something that they are unsure of. It is better to know rather than assume.
Learn English as a Second Language
For most international students, English may not be their first language. If one intends on going to school in the United States (US), it is highly recommended to learn English as a second language. Although English is the primary language in the U.S., Spanish is the second-most preferred language in most areas in South Florida, where FNU is conveniently located. So students whose first language is Spanish should feel a little more comfortable attending FNU.
Beware of Social Networking Dangers
Social networking dangers lurk all around the world, but here at FNU, we make it a priority to inform our students about it. The Internet serves as an extremely useful studying and social tool, but it doesn’t come without caution. Read about how to avoid social networking dangers here.
FNU: Helping Students Transition to College Life a Little Easier
Adjusting to something new isn’t easy per say, but here at FNU, we are committed to helping all of our students transition effortlessly into college life in Florida.
If you’re interested in learning more about FNU, make sure to check out the academic programs we have to offer, many which are also offered online, here.
FNU has three campuses located throughout South Florida that include Miami and Hialeah. Call FNU today or send an inquiry online to start the admission process today!
