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Culture shock.

It’s real, and it happens. When International students try to find their way here at Kent State, it can be a challenge for some.

Sure you’ll have those lively well-spoken exchange students with a strong grasp of the English language and who are extremely personable, but some of these students haven’t spoken a word of English in their life.

So how are these students expected to acclimate to the community and student body? By getting out there. The university and those at Van Campen Hall have taken steps to assist in the acclimation process.

The cultural cafés, which feature foods from around the world, along with other small social gatherings Van Campen coordinates, help to break the ice for many.

I spoke with Tasha McDonnell, an exchange student from Liverpool, England and asked her of her opinion of the International Social hosted by those at Van Campen, and what she has been doing to make friends. She stated, “We don’t have anything like that back in England so it was really nice and made me realize that the Office of Global Education was really looking out for us.” In regards to making friends she stated that the best way to meet people was just by quote, “speaking to everyone I came across.”

As you can see there is plenty to do here in Kent, all you have to do is dive in.