Most people have certain assumptions or expectations about the college experience. For many it is the first time away from home and family, a step into adulthood. For those furthering their education in a new country, the changes are vastly greater. In addition to being in a new situation calling for more self-sufficiency and autonomy, the international student must learn to cope with a different culture, unfamiliar attitudes and expectations, and possibly a new language. Even variations in food, clothing, and shelter can be intimidating to those already facing a new scholastic system, language barriers, and religious and racial concepts different from those they have always known.

The typical student arrives on campus with a sense of hope and optimism to balance the fear of the unknown. No matter the size of the school or its surrounding community, there will be new people to meet and new activities to experience. Creating one