Blog Posts for Students

Honest tips and insights into thriving as an International student

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Understanding Space: Direct vs Indirect Cultures (pt. 1)
Understanding Space: Direct vs Indirect Cultures (pt. 1)
August 4, 2023
Privacy holds great significance within American culture. The concept of “mine” is typically one of the earliest words a child learns, introducing notions of possession and ownership. Although children eventually grasp the concept of sharing, the natural desire to keep ownership and have the autonomy to decide whether to share persists. In the U.S. and Read more…
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Understanding Hospitality: Direct vs Indirect Cultures
Understanding Hospitality: Direct vs Indirect Cultures
July 28, 2023
In ancient times, being hospitable meant welcoming strangers and providing them with food, shelter, and safety. Some cultures still follow this tradition today, but in others, the meaning of hospitality has changed a bit. In direct cultures like the U.S., hospitality is less about survival and protection and more about manners and entertainment. Direct cultures Read more…
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Understanding Identity: Direct vs Indirect Cultures (pt. 2)
Understanding Identity: Direct vs Indirect Cultures (pt. 2)
July 21, 2023
And we’re back with ✨PART 2✨! If you missed PART 1, click here for the scoop. If not, let’s get into ✨PART 2✨, baby! 😝 Identity Opinions Expressed for the Group 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 In her book, Foreign to Familiar, Sarah A. Lanier gives an example of how individualistic or collectivistic ways of thinking can influence the Read more…
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Podcast Episodes

Check out our podcast The World at Home to hear real stories of International students finding community

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The World at Home Ep 3: Cross-Cultural Friendships

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you put two natural introverts on a podcast? For Episode 3 of The World at Home podcast we interview Sonia, a college student from Indonesia, who shares how she has learned to grow cross-cultural friendships in the US. Naturally an introvert, Sonia has had to grow her confidence to go outside of her comfort zone- to make others feel more at home, just like others did for her.

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The World at Home Ep. 2: To Say Goodbye

Episode 2 of The World at Home podcast we interview IFI Staff member and former international student from Rwanda, Viviane about her experiences with saying goodbye and grief.

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The World at Home Ep. 1: A Great Return

Welcome to The World At Home, a podcast where we will explore the incredible journeys of international students who’ve come to the U.S. to study, learn, and grow. In each episode, we’ll hear first hand stories from people who have left their home countries to the United States, now navigating new academic and/or professional, cultural, and personal landscapes.In this Episode we interview Carol from Brazil on her experience visiting home after many years.

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