International Student Newsletter

Dear International Students,

Happy Spring!

In Announcements, learn about the BU Global House Living-Learning Community, including language clusters, weekly cultural and community events, and the co-curricular experience which can help students earn (1) Hub unit. Also, with finals right around the corner, consider attending an Educational Resource Center workshop and learn tools to help you with study and test-taking methods. Lastly, if you have questions about post-completion Optional Practical Training, including eligibility factors, and application timelines, consider one of virtual workshops the International Student and Scholar Office offers in April and May.

In the Employment in the U.S. section, BU senior Andre Lo (QST’24), reflects on his experience as a Summer Intern for Macquarie Group, and shares advise for international students. In Culture Corner, International Student Programming Assistant Wenxuan Li shares her take on dating culture in the U.S., including dating tips and vocabulary!

We wish everyone good luck with any final projects and exams, and warmest congratulations to all of our graduating Terriers!

Announcements

BU Global House

The BU Global House Living-Learning Community (at 610 Beacon Street) is a specialty housing experience for students who are passionate about languages and cultures. Every week they house cultural events, such as Breakfast Around the World, or Game Night. Students can register for upcoming events.

More Information

Get Ready for Finals

Finals are just around the corner, and the Educational Resource Center can help you get ready. Consider attending one of the Study Smarter, Not Harder or Get Ready for Finals workshops, and learn tools and strategies to help you with study and test-taking methods to ace finals week! Also, Student Health Services Building a Stronger You or Sharpen Your Focus workshops can help you with improving your attention, organization, time management and self-care skills.

a student smiling while 3 others work at a table in the background

Post-completion OPT and STEM OPT Workshops

Do you have questions about Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT, including eligibility factors and timing of application, considerations for travel and employment, and tips for preparing and submitting the applications? Consider attending one of ISSO’s workshops in April and May.

More Information

Upcoming Events

Full Calendar

Employment in the U.S.

A Word from Students

BU student, Andre Lo (QST’24), reflects on his internship at Macquarie Group and shares advice with international students.

Read the Full Story

Culture Corner

Dating Culture in the U.S.

Written by Wenxuan Li, International Student Programming Assistant

Dating is part of college life. However, as newcomers to the U.S., international students might need clarification about the dating culture here. It is worth noting that even though the U.S. dating culture may differ from where you grew up, you have the agency to decide what dating customs you want to follow. Here are some tips for navigating the potential difference in dating culture.

The U.S. dating culture generally tends to be casual and informal, although it also depends on individual preferences. A committed or exclusive relationship may not be the goal of dating. People do date merely for fun, chatting, and chilling.
It is common for men and women to initiate dates. A date does not necessarily mean the beginning of a relationship; instead, it is an opportunity for people to get to know each other better.
Dating apps are widely used among college students.
It is normal to split the bill during a date. You don’t have to cover the fees even though you may be the one asking for the date.
There are different types of relationships, such as casual, exclusive, open, situationships, etc. Therefore, it is important to figure out what stage or type of relationship you are in during the date and whether you and your partner are on the same page. For instance, if the relationship is not yet exclusive, your partner and you can date someone else simultaneously. Hugging and kissing may not ensure the seriousness of the relationship.
Family may not be involved in the early stage of dating or relationships.
Public displays of affection (PDA) are common.

Dating Tips

Ask people for a date in person or through messages. Be aware of your intention of the invitation: whether this is a hangout or a date. Then, try to clarify it in the invitation.
Start with easy conversations: majors, hobbies, interests, etc. Try not to discuss too personal topics (e.g., income, finances, politics, etc.) at the beginning.
Ask for consent for physical touch.
Say “no” to the request you don’t like directly.

Dating Slang/Vocabulary

DTR: Define the relationship. DTR is used to discuss mutual understandings of the relationship. (e.g., whether it is exclusive or not)
Friends with Benefits: Two people who are physically intimate with one another but are not in an exclusive relationship.
Soft-Launching: post pictures of your new partner on social media to announce the exclusive relationship without disclosing who they are. For example, posting a picture of the back of you and your partner holding hands.
Ghosting: When someone stops replying to your messages and disappears instead of officially ending the relationship.
Slide into someone’s DM’s: Direct messaging (DM) someone that you have a crush on a social media platform (Twitter, Instagram, etc.).
Rizz: Refers to charisma, the ability to attract people with alluring personalities. Widely used on TikTok and Instagram by Generation Z.
Crush: Refers to unexpressed affection or romantic feelings towards someone.

Source: Gina Cherelus. ‘Ghosting,’ ‘Orbiting,’ ‘Rizz’: A Guide to Modern Dating Terms. New York Times. February 11, 2023