Among the many attributes for which Babson College is recognized is the rich diversity of its student body. The College enrolls students from over 70 countries and from many ethnic backgrounds. Despite this, and as is true at any institution where people from more than one culture interact, for international students it can be a delicate business navigating the new cultural rules and perspectives encountered when living in a foreign country. When is it ok to speak up in class? In what circumstances should one answer the question “How are you?” And of course the uncertainty is not experienced by international students alone. American students face similar challenges when they study abroad.

So how does one figure out life in a new country, and what are the benefits of doing so? As a part of International Education Week, International Student and Scholar Services and Education Abroad staff in GPS collaborated to offer a program called “Life in a New Country – Figuring It Out”. The program included a student panel which included three international students and three study abroad returnees who openly shared their insights and experiences. They had found that a willingness to ask questions, take risks and find humor in the face of difficulty were all important elements in their ability to be successful in a new culture. Sheer determination was also identified by the panel as an important component. All the panelists acknowledged that they had learned valuable new perspectives as a result of successfully adapting to a new culture…the value of networking for a career and for life and the importance of understanding a business partner from another culture. In addition, they learned that, though they may appear very similar, subtle differences between cultures can be very significant. One student spoke of his desire for exposure to many cultures and to choose those aspects of each that he found valuable, incorporating them into who he is, both professionally and personally. Life in a new country can be difficult, but it can be figured out and according to students it is often a rewarding and life enhancing experience.