FOSTERING SUCCESSFUL ACCLIMATION TO LIFE IN AUBURN
International Graduate Experience Course is an ongoing series of seminar topics designed to help our international graduate students experience a more culturally integrated life while in Auburn.
Select sessions are offered to incoming and newly arrived students, to foster a smoother transition into life in the U.S. and Auburn. Other InterConnect resources include our Relocation Guide (PDF) as well as the groups and events listed below.
In addition to new student sessions, various topics may be offered throughout the year for current students to deepen understanding of U.S. American values and culture, learn solutions to practical concerns, and enhance their day-to-day experiences.
CONNECTING STUDENTS WITH LOCAL CULTURE AND COMMUNITY
Dinners in Local Homes – An opportunity for 6-10 international students to experience an evening out as dinner guests of one or more local hosts. Guests enjoy a home-cooked meal, warm conversation, and possibly a short tour of the home.
Community Explorations – With the help of partners in the community, Interconnect coordinates a variety of events to allow international grad students a chance to experience aspects of the local culture. Members of the community are able to share their “know-how” as informal cultural guides.
Holiday Hosts – Many international students appreciate the opportunity to experience traditions and celebrations surrounding commonly celebrated holidays. Interconnect organizes local hosts to offer 2 or more guests the opportunity to join in a holiday celebration. The most popular of these events is joining a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Other events may include festivities during the month of December or for the Fourth of July.
Auburn Family Friends – This program was developed to pair local families and community members with newly arriving graduate international students. The students benefit from a personal connection to assist them as they transition to life in a new country and a new academic environment. Local families and members of the community benefit from learning more of the student’s home country and culture.
SUPPORTING INTERNATIONAL SPOUSES AND FAMILIES
Spouses and families of international graduate students are welcome to participate in many of the above events and activities coordinated by AU Interconnect. Several of our community partners coordinate events with couples and families in mind. In addition, the following are unique opportunities for the spouses of international students who have moved to Auburn.
The International Women’s Group was formed in 2012 to offer a point of connection for international women who have accompanied their spouse to Auburn (those who currently have dependent visa status).
Facilitated by women in the community, weekly meetings provide those from different cultural backgrounds an opportunity to build cross-cultural friendships, practice conversational English, and learn about helpful resources in the community. Children are welcome at meetings. For more information, email intconn@auburn.edu.
The International Men’s Social Group was formed in 2022 to help men who have come to Auburn on spousal visas to connect and develop friendships among those in a similar life stage and to meet locals as well. Primarily a time for food and great conversation, occasional topics on “how-to” or inside tracks will help internationals adapt to life in the US & Auburn. For more information on these bi-monthly meetings, email intconn@auburn.edu.
International Buddy Program (IBP)
IBP fosters meaningful friendships by pairing international students with domestic students in order to facilitate a smooth transition into American culture and college life. Buddy pairs allow the international students to be fully integrated into the Auburn family, while allowing domestic students to learn more about another culture and country. fosters meaningful friendships by pairing international students with domestic students in order to facilitate a smooth transition into American culture and college life. Buddy pairs allow the international students to be fully integrated into the Auburn family, while allowing domestic students to learn more about another culture and country.
IBP Page
International Cultural Center
Housed within the Office of International Programs, the International Cultural Center hosts over 10 different initiatives with the goal to create engaging environments for learning and co-curricular experiences that support language acquisition, intercultural competency, and international engagement and partnerships. From the monthly Intercultural Cafe to hands-on Culture and Cuisine classes, visit here to learn the myriad of opportunities offered by ICC.
ICC Page
Auburn University has over 500 active student-led organizations. Among these are the International Student Organization and other several cultural and country-specific organizations. We encourage our international students to connect with one or more of these groups to have social support as well as to promote cross-cultural awareness.
To learn more about all student-led organizations and events, visit AU Involve
For further questions, contact:
Laura Fuller Coordinator Graduate School lbf0005@auburn.edu 334-844-2143
Last modified: May 30, 2023
