This introduction session will introduce the Building Our Global Community (BGC) program and share an overview of the international student and scholar population at the University of Iowa. Participants will have opportunity to learn about the cultural adjustment experienced by international students and strategies to assist with the transition. Participants will take part in an interactive activity demonstrating the experience of students whose first language is not English. The session will conclude with an international student panel sharing their experiences transitioning to the U.S. and studying at the University of Iowa.  

 Participants who attend this session will be able to:

• identify the purpose of the Building Our Global Community program and how the program can assist with working effectively with international students and scholars
• articulate an overview of the international population at the University of Iowa.
• understand cultural adjustment and apply strategies to assist with the transition.
• discuss the experience of students whose first language is not English studying in the U.S.
• understand some of the experiences of international students studying at the University of Iowa