Students from Mexico, Brazil and Jamaica were among the new international Exonians who arrived on campus four days before the start of class to participate in an orientation program offered by the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) every September since 2009.The program aims to ease the transition from abroad to Exeter for new international students. “When I first arrived at Exeter seven years ago, one complaint that I often heard from international families is that the international students did not know one another,” said ISAB advisor Christine Knapp. “The ISO program provides the international students with the opportunity to create a supportive and strong community that enhances the community at large.”The number of new international students signed up for the orientation has remained about constant over the years, according to Knapp.The group resided in Peabody and Langdell Halls for boys and girls, respectively, a change from Cilley and Amen Halls last year, according to senior and ISAB leader Luke Browne.The range of countries remained diverse, according to returning French Canadian upper Jeanne Olivier, a recent member to the ISAB.The program’s schedule included sample academic classes, bonding activities, and information sessions about life at Exeter. The program held math, English and science classes in addition to bonding activities, such as a picnic and a trip to the Hilltop Fun Center in Somersworth, New Hampshire.The program equipped the new students with a schedule, a map of Exeter’s campus and a weather forecast for the first week of school prior to their arrival.
Many anticipated that the orientation would help them navigate a new and foreign culture before the beginning of school.New senior from France, Clara Cohade, looked forward to the orientation. “Having never actually lived in the US, I felt like ISO was a great opportunity to adapt to this new way of life before classes and everything starts,” she said.Many also hoped to form friendships with international students and faculty members.“I would like to meet friends and faculty,” said Jerry Anunrojwong, a new senior from Thailand. “It's always nice having people in the same boat. It's also great to relax for a while before getting flooded by a pile of homework.”Arriving early would allow him to focus on the more mundane aspects of being an Exonian before the distractions of fall term take over, according Anunrojwong. “I want to see the campus before classes begin, or else I may get lost going to the dining hall,” he said.“Those three days are particularly useful to get acquainted with the campus lifestyle and to know a few familiar faces once school starts,” said Olivier.“One simple reason for international students to attend ISO is that it offers them the chance to recover from jet lag before the start of school,” Knapp said.Though many enjoyed the orientation, not all new foreign students chose to take part in the program.“Some students may have spent extensive time in the United States and may not feel as if they need to attend ISO,” Knapp said. “Others do not sign up because they have family commitments or cannot arrive early at school.”Many returning international students felt that ISAB’s program was an invaluable opportunity. “For me, the transition to Exeter as an international student was made easy by tools that the school had in place,” Olivier said.Olivier wanted to ensure that other new “internationals” adjusted as easily as she did. “I wanted to become a member so I could be a part of the international community at PEA and to make sure that other students have the same welcoming experience,” she said.New international students were less optimistic about the challenges of transitioning to Exeter.Anunrojwong began extensively reading, speaking, and listening to English last summer and felt that the hardest part of his transition from Thailand to Exeter would be breaking the language and culture barrier. “I have never been totally immersed in the English-speaking environment before, so I may struggle to engage in rapid-moving conversations,” Anunrojwong said.“Another thing I have to learn is what Americans are interested in and like to discuss in conversations, such as movies and sports," he said.New Brazilian lower Antonio Gomez felt that he would miss the comforts of living at home the most. “As cliché as this sounds, leaving family, friends and even a particular culture will be the most difficult part,” Gomez said.Senior and 4-year ISAB member Thomas Clark felt that although Anunrojwong’s concerns were realistic, the International Student Advisory Board would work hard to make the new international students’ transitions as easy as possible. “ISAB plays a key role by organizing events and opportunities for exchanging with domestic students as well as voicing concerns and receiving advice. The board is made up of members of the international community with a lot of experience and we meet weekly to discuss event planning and talk about issues,” Clark said.
