Embarking on the adventure of studying abroad as an international student brings a mix of excitement and challenges. Having left behind the comfort of home and family, my transition to William & Mary has been a transformative experience. In this blog post, I will share the joys and obstacles I’ve encountered, the support I’ve received, and how William & Mary has become a second home. 

1.     Embracing the Unknown: 

Stepping onto the campus of William & Mary for the first time, I was greeted with a myriad of new experiences. The academic culture, weather (especially during the winter), and even the cuisine presented challenges that required adaptation. However, the support I received from the university community helped ease my transition and made me feel welcome from day one. 

2.     Choosing William & Mary: 

I selected William & Mary for its outstanding higher education program, small class sizes, and the opportunity to connect with knowledgeable professors. After completing my first semester, I can confidently say that the university has surpassed my expectations. The campus is not only visually stunning but also populated with faculty and staff who genuinely care about student success. Prior to my arrival, staff at the School of Education and the Reves Center for International Studies provided invaluable assistance in expediting my visa process, setting a positive tone for my journey ahead. 

3.     A Sense of Community: 

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my time at William & Mary has been the sense of belonging I’ve found. The Reves Center facilitated connections with other African students, enabling me to seamlessly integrate into campus life. Furthermore, the Global Friends program offered me the opportunity to engage with a local senior member, fostering cultural exchange and deepening my understanding of American history and traditions. 

4.     A Rewarding Journey: 

My first semester at William & Mary has been nothing short of rewarding. Engaging with knowledgeable professors and participating in a diverse and rigorous academic environment has set me on a path to becoming an educational leader. Beyond academics, I have formed friendships and established professional networks that I anticipate will last a lifetime. 

5.     Advice for International Students: 

To my fellow international students, I encourage you to embrace curiosity and never hesitate to ask questions. Rest assured that there will always be someone ready to support you and provide the resources you need. Seize the opportunities available to you, challenge yourself, and be open to exploring new frontiers. Regardless of your background, I hope that both Williamsburg and William & Mary will come to feel at home, just as they have for me. 

As an international student, my journey at William & Mary has been a transformative experience. The challenges I faced have been outweighed by the support I received from the university community. William & Mary has not only provided me with an exceptional education but has also nurtured a sense of belonging and a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives. I am grateful for the opportunities I have found here and encourage others to embark on their own adventures, knowing that William & Mary will be there to guide them every step of the way. 

Research is a core part of William & Mary. Getting involved in research with professors can seem intimidating at first, but here are a few tips on pursuing opportunities at William & Mary. 

1. Timing is key 

The first step in solidifying a spot on a research project is figuring out when you would like to participate. Are you looking for a single semester project? Maybe a lab group to stick with for a longer time period? Asking these questions can help you and the professor you reach out to better understand what type of research position you’re seeking. 

2. Make sure research aligns with your aspirations  

Participating in research related to your major or area of interest will not only contribute to your resume, but also provide you with useful knowledge and skills towards a future career. An email with more personal connections to the research can stand out to a professor. 

3. Reaching out to professors 

There are a few things to include in your email to professors when asking about research positions. Make sure to research about the research the professor you are reaching out to has done / is currently working on. It can be helpful to include reasons why you are interested in working specifically with them and how you can contribute to the lab group / research. A brief description of your career goals and how they align with the research also is helpful to include. Setting up a time to talk in person can help the professor get to know you better and discuss what projects might be of interest. 

Burnout is something most students experience and can stem from over-studying or an unbalanced schedule. It’s important to take care of our well-being to have a successful semester since it is multidimensional and requires physical, mental, and emotional care. Here are some quick tips to help you prevent and recover from academic burnout: 

• Leave one day for minimal to no work: setting time aside for self care, personal activities, and a break from schoolwork might sound daunting at first. However, dedicating this time to yourself can be more beneficial than trying to work non stop everyday. Take the time to replenish your sleep, check in with your health, and do something you’ve been looking forward to!

• Have 3-5 attainable goals a day: too many tasks can be overwhelming and unrealistic. Try limiting yourself to the tasks of highest priority each day.

• Break tasks into smaller tasks: sometimes making tasks into smaller ones can give the impression of getting more done when checking off tasks. This can help you maintain motivation to get work done. 

• Listen to your emotions: if you feel extremely overwhelmed, it’s time to take a break. Take time to rest and recharge so you can return ready. 

• Set boundaries: learn to say no to things you don’t have time for / don’t want to do.

• Reflect on what caused previous burnouts: how were previous burnouts sparked? What did you do to recover? How can you realistically avoid the causes in the future? 

COLL classes were one of the things that confused me the most when entering William & Mary. Before registration, you take the College Studies course that gives you a background on academic expectations. During this course you are introduced to the concept of the university curriculum. Here are some of the main points that will help you better understand what exactly COLL classes are and why we take them:

COLL classes were created to allow you to branch out of your intended major and explore new topics that might interest you. COLL 100 and COLL 150 classes are taken in your first year at William and Mary. COLL 100 classes are designed to explore new concepts through creative presentation and COLL 150 classes consist of readings, writings, and group discussions. 

You are required to take three COLL 200 classes, with one in each knowledge domain; NQR, CSI, and ALV. During COLL 200 classes you explore the commonalities between academic domains and how they connect. 

After your second year, your COLL classes become a little more specific to your area(s) of interest(s). COLL 300 classes connect your major with global context. During your third year, you will have the opportunity to fulfill your COLL 300 requirement. You can complete this requirement on campus, study abroad, or take courses through the DC program. 

COLL 350 courses explore difference, equity, and justice. You’ll make connections between course material and contemporary life and social identities in America. 

COLL 400 courses are reserved for capstone projects. You will complete a project in your final semesters that incorporates knowledge from previous COLL courses and your major. To complete this requirement, you will attend seminars, complete honors projects, or participate in independent research. 

Here is a quick breakdown of the COL requirements:

COLL 100

COLL 150

COLL 200 ALV

COLL 200 CSI

COLL 200 NQR

COLL 300

COLL 350

COLL 400

This might seem overwhelming at the moment, but COLL requirements are spread out throughout your time at William & Mary. To find out which COLL courses are being offered the upcoming semester, input your intended COLL in the attribute area on the open course list. 

Where to find more information: https://www.wm.edu/as/undergraduate/coll/