I think that’s a very real concern, and it’s why I believe helping international students make friends, build connections and feel like they belong is the biggest need this community has.
I’d say this community has this need because, as people, we are social creatures. Spending months away from everyone you’ve ever known to take a chance on meeting new people from different cultures can be scary. On top of that, there’s this idea of studying abroad being a time when you meet people from all over the world and make lifelong friends across the globe. You hear stories about these experiences all the time, and it makes the idea of studying abroad even more appealing. However, when you arrive and don’t find those connections right away, it can be a daunting experience. You’re already dealing with so many new things, from living in a different country to adjusting to a different culture, and not having people you can turn to for support makes it even harder. I genuinely believe an exchange program is only as good as the people you meet along the way. You can explore a new country and experience so many amazing things, but going five months without building meaningful friendships can make the experience feel lonely. I think most students understand how important those connections are, which is exactly why this need exists within the international student community.
