a short column for the international newsletter

This was published in the Fall 2005 International House Newsletter.

For most, if not all, international students, coming to Duke is a significant leap in one's life. As one of this year's ten graduate IHOPs, I worked as part of the I-House orientation team to help make their transition to Duke a smooth and enjoyable experience. Working with students across cultural differences, the graduate IHOPs were programmed to show new international students all they needed to know about U.S. and Duke in this one-day orientation. For example, one skit mimicked Americans who greet people in different ways. Another skit addressed typical classroom expectations. Panel discussions provided new international students with the opportunity to raise their own questions, most wonder about American customs. During small group discussions, the new students were exposed to various resources at Duke. Many new students made friends with IHOPs during campus tours and restaurant HOP's. Being an international student, I am proud of Duke's International House, because the I-house staff members have always been AWESOME in promoting cross-cultural understanding and relationships among the diverse students in our campus community. I believe many other international students feel the same way. To first year international students, I would like to say that graduate IHOPs will always be happy to answer your questions. We hope that you are breaking language barrier and enjoying (rather than being overwhelmed by) cultural differences.