Debunking Myths: Studying Abroad as an International Student
As cheesy as it may sound, I often find joy in insinuating that I am an international student "studying abroad" in the United States. The irony is not lost on me, and I can't help but chuckle at the notion. However, beneath this light-hearted portrayal lies the reality of the anxieties and concerns I faced before embarking on my study abroad journey in Toulouse (and at Dartmouth).
Before delving into the experience, I want to debunk and demystify the narrative surrounding studying abroad as an international student. First and foremost, just like any other student at Dartmouth, those of us hailing from countries outside the US are eligible to participate in study abroad opportunities.
As someone on an F-1 student visa, one of my initial worries was whether studying abroad would adversely impact my visa status. Fortunately, the Office of Visa and Immigration Services (OVIS) at Dartmouth issued a special document to ensure that my study abroad experience runs seamlessly concerning my visa status upon my return to the States. This alleviated a significant source of stress and allowed me to focus on the enriching experience ahead.
Another concern was the potential isolation from my first language, Turkish. The chances of encountering another Turkish speaker on the same study abroad program was slim. Despite feeling comfortable conversing in English, I made a conscious effort to regularly call my dad, sister, and friends back home. These conversations in my native language provided a space for reflection and helped me navigate the emotional terrain of being away from home.
Being part of a Language Study Abroad program in the winter meant an intense focus on acquiring the target language—in my case, French. The prospect of minimal communication in English initially made me anxious. I feared not being able to express myself clearly without a proficient language to fall back on. However, with each passing day, I feel the language barrier in French slowly dissipating as I immerse myself further and gain confidence in the language.
In conclusion, studying abroad as an international student is not without its challenges, but it's a transformative experience worth embracing. The support from institutions like OVIS, the dedication to preserving connections with my native language, and the gradual overcoming of language barriers have made this journey rewarding. As I navigate the complexities of studying abroad, I'm rewriting the narrative, one experience at a time.