International Student Newsletter

Dear international students,

Welcome to the October issue of the International Student Newsletter! As we reach the end of the first month back to school, let’s take a look at the various diverse events in store this October. With early deadlines and preliminary applications for internships opening up in the coming months, the Yawkey Centre for Career Development (CCD) is hosting Future Ready Fridays– a series of two-hour events every Friday that offers quick tips on resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn, and general career advice. Specifically for International Students, the CCD and the ISSO are hosting a 3-part International Student Workshop Series on job/internship search, OPT/CPT eligibility, and more. 

As the workload increases, we understand that it gets difficult to balance responsibilities and self-care. Stress ReLeaf, a Student Wellbeing initiative that uses tea as a catalyst for mindfulness and relaxation. Students across the cohorts meet on select Tuesdays to explore the ancient practice of gong fu cha (“making tea with skill”) and cultivate a space that focuses on the present moment. Another fun event to immerse in is Game Night! A weekly event for students every Wednesday of October to unwind and relax with some classic board games. 

Under the student experiences section, we have a chat with Nikhil Pol (CFA ‘27) to understand how BU helped him find himself and the communities he engaged with as an international student pursuing a major in Political Science.

Next up at the Culture Corner, we dive into US classroom culture and expectations of participation.

We wish you the best of luck with your classes and an enjoyable semester at BU, see you next month!

Announcements

Upcoming Events

Student Experiences

Culture Corner

Understanding U.S. Classroom Culture and Participation

One of the most intrinsic aspects of American university culture is the engaging and participative classroom environment. For many of you, this may contrast what you may have experienced before in your home countries. In the U.S., classrooms are dynamic open spaces where students are expected to actively engage with professors, peers, and the content at hand. Understanding this culture of participation can be difficult, but it ultimately helps draw out the best version of you in class.

Participation is Expected: In U.S. classrooms, professors often encourage students to ask questions and share their ideas. Actually, oftentimes, participation can be a part of your grade! Even if you’re an introvert, speaking up shows you’re engaged. Whether it’s asking a question or offering your thoughts, contributing in any way is seen positively. Another way to be proactive is by showing up for office hours or staying back after class to ask any questions or share thoughts with the professor.

Communication & Critical Thinking are Valued: American education values critical thinking and communication tremendously. Students are encouraged to challenge ideas and engage in respectful debates with peers and professors. This isn’t considered disrespectful—rather, it’s a way to explore ideas more deeply and develop a better understanding of the subject.

Professors = Facilitators:  While many students come from cultures where professors are more formal, in the U.S. professors often take on a more relaxed, facilitator role in class discussions. Professors are typically approachable, and they welcome questions both in and outside of class, especially during office hours.

Collaborative Learning: Collaborative learning is very common in the U.S., whether it’s facilitated by a professor or it’s independently organized. You’ll likely be asked to work on projects with classmates, which is a great way to share ideas, meet new people, and learn from different perspectives. Alternatively, you could also create study groups with classmates or discuss/share thoughts with fellow students.

Classroom Etiquette: While participation is encouraged, there are still some expectations to keep in mind. Be respectful of others’ opinions, avoid interrupting, and try to keep your contributions clear and concise. Punctuality is important too—arriving late or leaving early can be seen as disrespectful.

Understanding and embracing the U.S. classroom culture can enhance your learning experience and help you build confidence in your academic interactions. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone—your ideas and perspectives matter!

The Compass

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