An International Students’ Personal Story

Shortly after moving to Ann Arbor from South Korea, someone on the street asked me, “Do you know where I can find South Forest Avenue?” While I found it hard to imagine why someone would ask me for directions, I was glad because it made me feel like a resident of the United States and not like someone that looked different or out-of-place. I thought that after moving to the U.S. I might stand out since I spent 20 years of my life in South Korea where everyone looks similar and speaks the same language. In a diverse place like Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan, it was nice not being seen as completely different.

The good feelings I had about blending in only lasted a little while. Being an International student introduced some difficulties. Everyone expected me to speak English well, to understand the American culture, and to always behave like Americans do. I began to feel pretty bad because I realized that no one really cared about me when I needed them to care about me the most. The University of Michigan is a diverse place, and different people often need different services or people who understand what it’s like not to be from here. For example, instead of trying to understand how academically difficult it can be as an International student, some professors did not want me to finish questions because I spoke too slowly and they had a hard time understanding what I was asking. I feel like other students think I am weird because I may say something in a way different than what they would expect. Taking exams has been very difficult because I don’t always know what a question is asking and my instructors don’t allow me to use a dictionary. I have learned that loneliness is not the result of people treating you different, but is the result of people who cannot or do not understand how you are different and what you need to feel comfortable in a foreign place.

The International Center here has some helpful events for making International students feel at home in the U.S., but I also know that not many International students are aware of the International Center, what it does, or even where it is located. I have made friends with other students from Korea, and this has helped make the transition to the U.S. a little easier, but hasn’t helped me integrate with the American culture. I joined an a cappella group here, and this has helped me with my English, and it has helped me make friends with other Americans. However, not all International students feel comfortable joining extra curricular activities. I think talking about what it’s like to be an International student, especially the difficult times, can be helpful for many, and this is why I believe International students should seek help wherever people are willing to listen.