The Foreign Service Journal, December 2005

high school students who are now liv- ing overseas? 1. In making your college choices, consider carefully the student body makeup and envi- ronment — and visit the campus if you can. “A Third Culture Kid might feel completely alien in a rural, homogenous area,” says Ben Har- burg. “I love the Boston area because it is so diverse.” Your decision should also be based on what “just feels right.” My daughter was certain she’d end up in New York or Chicago, but she ultimately chose Wesleyan in rural Connecticut, partial- ly because it reminded her of her over- seas high school. Visiting the campus was what made the difference. Says Leah Speckhard, who is now attending Vesalius University in Brussels, “I went to college in Virginia without ever having visited the cam- pus, and I ended up transferring. Visiting first would have made a big difference.” 2. Don’t pack too much stuff, unless it’s the green stuff. Yes, you may get a shipment allowance, but, as Michelle Beaudry, a student at George Mason University, points out, “try not to pack absolutely everything, because you will be the one who has to move it all in and out of your dorm room.” (She also advises saving “lots of money” before college, because “it goes really fast.”) 3. Get involved in something fun right away. “Don’t be passive. Initiate. Join a club. Get out of the dorm,” urges Mark Mozur. “I wish that I had gotten involved in more activities from the beginning,” admits Elisabeth Frost. “Think about what you like to do and try to pursue your interests in college. However, be prepared for those academic and extracurricular interests to change, and don’t be afraid to try new things.” 4. Don’t think of this as “com- ing home.” Yes, you’re returning to your native land, but you may set yourself up for disappointment if you don’t lower your expectations. Many Foreign Service kids only know America as “Vacation Land.” So you might want to get in touch with at least some aspects of American pop- ular culture before you head state- side. Read People magazine. Get someone to tape some American television shows for you. And even if it’s only during home leave, visiting America does help. “Returning every summer to Missouri, where I was born, also 72 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 5 S CHOOLS S UPPLEMENT Don’t think of this as “coming home.” Continued from page 71