The Foreign Service Journal, December 2005

D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 5 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 75 S CHOOLS S UPPLEMENT example, has an International Resi- dential College where 300 students, about 100 of whom are foreign stu- dents, live together in a multicultural community.) All this will make you feel a little more at home.” “Even if you have lived overseas your whole life, go abroad your junior year,” suggests Sarah Pettit. “It is a different experience to be in a foreign country on your own as opposed to with your parents.” 10. Finally, remember your strengths. You’ve adjusted to new situations all of your life. This is just another one. Chances are you will soon be embracing college life in America and all its wild and crazy roller-coaster turns. “My advice is not to worry so much,” says Owen McMullen, who grew up in South Africa, Fiji and Burma. “I was concerned about not fitting in to Drake University in Des Moines, but have found it easier than I had feared.” Says Ian Haight, “At first the going was rough, but now I love it here. Bowdoin is an excellent college and has excellent people. I really feel like I belong here, and I don’t regret a sin- gle choice I made. It’s great.” n “Even if you have lived overseas your whole life, go abroad your junior year. It is a different experience to be in a foreign country on your own as opposed to with your parents.” — Sarah Pettit