Elon University is ranked No. 1 for its study abroad program by the International Educational Institute and is one of the top 10 most globally-minded universities But even with 50 countries represented at Elon, it is common for students to confine themselves to within their existing social circles, preventing a globally integrated environment.
To help freshman international students become acclimated to the environment, Elon hosts a separate orientation a few days before the regular move-in day. These days are for addressing questions about cultural and academic differences, visa issues and how to get involved on campus.
Chloe Chambon, a French junior currently enrolled in a dual-degree program at Elon, participated in the international student orientation in August as well as the regular New Student Orientation. Though she was glad to get information specific to international students, she said the separate orientations created a divide between international and American students.
“Maybe we stayed too much together at the beginning of the year,” Chambon said. “But as a junior, it’s difficult to find friends when everyone who is already at Elon has grouped off.”
Chambon explained how international students tend to group themselves together because of their views on global relations.
“We have the same goals and really like other cultures and studying abroad,” Chambon said.
Chambon encourages international students to become more involved on campus in order to ease the transition into the American culture.
Freshman Salvador Mijares became involved on campus as soon as possible by being one of three international freshmen tennis players. After arriving at Elon in January for the first time, his life was consumed by academics and tennis practices.
“I’ve been here almost a month, but I only had four days free,” Mijares said.
He said the transition was fairly easy because nearly half of the tennis team speaks Spanish, including Assistant Coach Cesar Vargas. While Mijares didn’t have an international student orientation and hasn’t attended any international student events, he said he adjusted in a new environment.
Senior Sandra Sabrina, a German student who came to Elon last year, also found sports to be a positive avenue for assimilating in the United States. As a member of the rugby team and past member of various intramural sports teams, she said sports participation is a great way for international students to become more involved and meet new people.
“International students will always stick together,” Sabrina said. “If you want to make new friends, join sports.”
While she recognizes international students may feel as though they are on their own after they finish orientation, she explained her transition into Elon's dual-degree program went smoother than some of her other friends.
“Elon’s doing a great job caring for international students,” Sabrina said. “At the bigger schools, they have to work more to settle in and get used to the university.”
Elon looks to support international students through a Living Learning Community (LLC) designed to encourage students from multicultural backgrounds to live together and participate in group events. The LLC has recently made trips to Asheville and Washington, D.C.
The Isabella Cannon Global Education Center also helps out by transporting students from the airport to campus upon their first arrival. In addition, host families offer support for international students during holiday breaks.
Yet despite such efforts, it is up to students like Chambon, Mijares and Sabrina to determine the extent to which they adjust to life at Elon. While the students work on adjusting to a new culture, Elon offers various resources of assistance and support.