Building a Life a World Away: How International Students Are Adjusting to Life at DSU

For most first-year students, arriving at Dakota State University marks the beginning of a new chapter. For international students, however, it’s like starting a whole new book. From the classroom to the cafeteria, they are navigating a world of cultural differences while pursuing their academic dreams. We sat down with several new and returning international students to hear about their journey of adjustment.

One of the most profound differences international students encounter is in the classroom. In many of their home countries, a formal distance between professors and students is the norm. At DSU, they’ve been pleasantly surprised by a much more approachable and interactive academic environment. First-year students noted that the concept of “office hours,” where they can meet one-on-one with professors to ask questions or even just chat, is almost entirely new to them. The dynamic in the classroom is also a significant shift. Where asking questions might have been seen as a sign of inattention or stupidity back home, here, professors actively encourage it. “The professors here will even personally ask the students, ‘Any questions so far?'” one student shared. While this open and welcoming environment is a positive change, it’s still a major adjustment. Many are still overcoming the fear of speaking up, but some have already started making gradual steps, forming connections with professors by asking genuine questions about the subjects they teach.

Making friends is another challenge for any new student, but for internationals, cultural and language barriers can make it even tougher. Many new students opt to room with someone from their own country for a sense of comfort and familiarity. However, some are intentionally choosing to live with domestic students. They see it as an opportunity to accelerate their adjustment, learn about local culture, and share their own heritage. This approach is something Nicole Claussen, DSU’s Director of International Programs, strongly supports. She shared that she plans to work with Residence Life on a program to connect new international and domestic students as roommates. She believes this will “significantly benefit their transition to American college life” by fostering cultural exchange right in the dorm rooms.

Beyond academics and social life, one of the biggest daily adjustments for new international students happens at the dinner table. Navigating American cuisine has been a significant hurdle for many, who find the local food, often with fewer spices, a stark contrast to the flavors of their home countries. To bridge this culinary gap, many students have turned their dorm kitchens into a small piece of home, cooking their own national dishes to find a comforting and familiar taste in a new place.

For new international students transitioning to life at DSU, the most valuable resource is the advice of those who have walked the path before them. First-year students have reported that approaching international upperclassmen for guidance has been extremely helpful. These experienced students offer crucial wisdom. First, they advise against forming exclusive cliques with other international students. They explain that even though it’s the comfortable choice, it can cause them to miss out on the full college experience and a real understanding of local culture. Second, they stress the importance of networking. “Being smart is not enough here,” one upperclassman mentioned. “You can be the smartest person in your classes, but if you don’t build relationships, you’ll be invisible. The best opportunities here come from making personal connections.” Finally, they offer a simple but vital reminder: take care of yourself. In a new country without the immediate support of family, self-care and talking openly about struggles are essential to prevent problems from snowballing.

The challenges of the first year eventually give way to a sense of belonging. Upperclassmen shared that over time, their close friends become a “chosen family”—an essential support system that has helped them through the toughest moments of their college journey.

While that deep sense of “family” takes years to build, the groundwork for those relationships is often laid with a single, proactive decision. For an international student in his second year, it meant choosing to step out of his comfort zone and approach new people. While his journey wasn’t easy and he faced many setbacks along the way, the results have been transformative. He has not only formed stronger relationships across campus but has also secured a research opportunity with a professor and joined a faculty-led software development project. His experience offers a powerful insight for all new students, both international and domestic. “In such a small campus community,” he said, “it is all about being seen rather than trying to figure out everything by yourself.”