For some, a transition to college life is easy. For others, it’s difficult. And for those who have never lived in the United States, it’s more than intimidating. 

As another school year dwindles to an end and many American students prepare to rush home, putting their classes on the back burner until August, international students such as Jung Seo, sophomore in computer science, are in awe about how fast one school year can go and have begun reflecting on all that has changed since they first stepped foot on U.S. soil.

Like Seo, international students often come to Iowa State not only to gain a degree but also to experience a different culture outside of their home country.

For students who had to learn English as a second language and become accustomed to American traditions and culture, this adjustment is not only intimidating but can also be downright terrifying.

Seo, who is originally from South Korea, is preparing to graduate in May, and as she concludes her last year at Iowa State, she remembers how she felt during her first year.

“It can be a little uncomfortable and awkward to get away from your comfort zone and meet people, but once you do, and get used to [something new], then the experience gets better,” Seo said.

Like most international students, Seo understands how it feels to be in a new place that’s different from her own. Making friends and understanding American social cues can create a new world of confusion and misunderstanding. 

To aid with the transitioning period most international students face when coming to a new country, the International Students and Scholars Office and Student Government helped create the Cultural Ambassador Program.

The Cultural Ambassador Program, or CAP as it is commonly known, pairs a U.S. and international student together by major and college so the student may establish a friendship among commonality.

“When international students come to the States, they usually hang out with people from their own country,” Seo said. “But the CAP helps these students fill that [homesick] gap and allows them to [learn] more [about] American culture and make American friends.”

This tactic is not only beneficial to students coming to the United States. It offers an opportunity for U.S. students to learn more about the countries their colleagues hail from.

“[The CAP] also helps the American students to learn about another culture and broaden their insight. Understanding and communication skills also get better because they are spending time together,” Seo said. “It’s a friendship program and a mentor program at the same time.”

Seo became involved with the program right before her freshman year began. She was matched with an American partner who had more in common with her than just their majors.

“Fortunately, my partner was Korean-American,” Seo said. “She was really great. Even though she was born in America, she understood [Korean] culture and knew what kind of problems I would face with American cultural differences.”

Seo and her partner, who was not available for an interview, had a special connection that helped make Seo’s transition easier. They were in the same major and college, and their shared cultural connection made the adjustment to U.S. customs a little less intimidating.

“She helped me with my courses and knew some people who could [also] help me,” Seo said. “It was all really great.” 

Partner groups were often encouraged to do activities together, such as cooking, attending movies and others that help build friendships and melt away homesickness.

“I remember we would visit each other’s homes and hang out,” Seo said. “She introduced her friends to me and I introduced my friends to her. Everything just felt so natural, and that’s why we are still very good friends.”

As senior international and domestic students prepare to break out in their graduation cap and gowns, Seo understands and commends the usefulness of programs such as the Cultural Ambassador Program.

“I would definitely recommend that international students join this program,” Seo said. “It’s really great, especially for those students that are just arriving in the U.S. and need help to break out of their comfort zone, get out of their boxes and seeing a new world.”