International Student Newsletter

Dear International Students,

We hope you had a wonderful summer and have enjoyed the first few weeks of September in Boston and at BU! A special welcome to all our new Terriers! In the first newsletter for the fall semester, we wanted to share some exciting things happening on campus in the next few weeks. In the Announcements section, learn about the Educational Resource Center’s English Conversation Group- a great opportunity for students interested in developing their English skills, and understanding American culture! Also, learn about LGBTQIA+ community resources at BU, curated by the Center for Gender, Sexuality and Activism and the Queer Activist Collective, including all-gender bathroom locations, and how to change your name in the BU systems. Lastly, consider attending one of the Future-Ready Friday events, hosted by the Center for Career Development, and take advantage of resume/cover letter review, LinkedIn profile support, or interview preparation. In the Employment in the U.S. section, meet alumna, Rea Pittie (CAS’23), who shares advice on her path to her current position as a research technician at the MGH Radiation Oncology department. In Culture Corner, International Student Programming Assistant Myat Thadar, shares 9 tips for navigating potential challenges and establishing common ground with your roommates.

We hope you enjoy this content, and if you have any feedback or suggestions for future newsletters, please contact Kamelia Turcotte at kameliat@bu.edu.

Announcements

Upcoming Events

Employment in the U.S.

Culture Corner

International Roommates: Navigating Challenges and Establishing Common Ground

Written by Myat Thadar, International Student Programming Assistant

College life is an exhilarating journey filled with new experiences and opportunities for personal growth. One of the most enriching aspects of this adventure is the chance to live with international roommates. Although sharing a living space with other individuals coming from diverse cultural backgrounds can be incredibly rewarding, diversity may also bring unique challenges. Today, we will explore strategies to navigate the complexities and joys of living with international roommates to allow you to reap the full benefits of the diverse community that calls BU home!

 

1. Embrace Cultural Diversity

Embrace the diversity of different cultures your roommates bring with an open heart and a curious mind! Engage in conversations about their customs, traditions, and daily routines. Share your own experiences. This mutual exchange fosters understanding and builds stronger bonds.

 

2. Find Similarities

Discover and establish common ground! You’ll be surprised to find that there are often more similarities than you might initially think. Whether it’s a shared love for a particular sport, music genre, or favorite movie, these common interests can serve as bridges between cultures. Spend time exploring these shared passions together, and you’ll strengthen your connection.

 

3. Set Expectations from the Beginning

Have an honest conversation about your expectations and boundaries soon after you move in! These expectations and boundaries can range from quiet times, general cleanliness of the shared space, shoes within the room, and guest policy. This proactive approach can prevent potential conflicts and create a compatible living environment. Boston University has a roommate contract and rather than simply skimming over it, make time to sit down and truly establish expectations. Remember, compromise is essential in shared spaces.

 

4. Effective Communication is Key

Misunderstandings often arise from differences in communication styles. International roommates may have varying levels of English proficiency, and certain expressions may be confusing. Be patient and understanding with one another when language barriers emerge. Refrain from jumping to conclusions and making assumptions, and instead try to establish simple, clear communication to solve conflicts and build trust. Active listening is a crucial component of effective communication!

 

5. Respect Privacy and Personal Space

Living with roommates means you’ll be spending a lot of time together! To ensure you respect each other’s privacy and personal space, create boundaries and schedules that accommodate everyone’s needs. Little actions such as making sure to ask to borrow personal items and respecting each other’s side of the room go a long way.

 

6. Celebrate Differences and Learn from Each Other

International roommates can introduce you to new cuisines, music, and customs. Take advantage of this opportunity to broaden your horizons. Share meals from each other’s cultures, attend cultural events together, and celebrate holidays and festivals from around the world. These shared experiences can lead to lasting friendships. My roommate from the Bay Area got me absolutely obsessed with avocado toast, and I introduced her to tasty Burmese snacks!

 

7. Be Mindful of Cultural Sensitivities

Cultural sensitivity is crucial when living with international roommates. Be aware of potential cultural taboos and avoid offensive comments or actions. Different cultures have varying tolerance levels for certain topics, and if you are unsure about something, simply ask politely and be willing to learn. Your roommates will appreciate your efforts to respect their culture.

 

8. Address Conflict Positively

Conflict is a natural part of sharing personal space that may be strengthened by cultural differences. When disagreements arise, approach them with a problem-solving mindset. Avoid making assumptions, listen actively to your roommates’ perspectives, and work together to find solutions that benefit everyone.

 

9. Seek Support When Needed

Unfortunately, in rare cases, the abovementioned solutions may not be enough. If conflicts become unmanageable, communicate the issues you are facing with the Resident Office on campus and seek support so they can provide guidance and mediation to resolve issues.

The Compass

There are over 250 academic, housing, community, and employment resources currently on the Compass and each issue we will highlight two.