Starting college is an exciting experience for any incoming freshman, but it is uniquely challenging prospect for international students. Luckily for Chinese students, the Office of International Affairs' China Gateway office is there to help.
Every summer before students pack up their lives and board planes for Columbus, they host on-the-ground orientations in major cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen and Beijing. This year, the China Gateway staff helped provide orientation and welcome for more than 60 incoming freshman and 40 family members in a series of events throughout July.
Working in partnership with several alumni clubs based in China, the Gateway arranged for alumni representatives to share their experiences on campus life, covering topics such as housing, transportation, safety and available opportunities. They also engaged a Q&A session, addressing questions from new Buckeyes and their families.
The send-off event serves as a crucial part of the orientation activities, offering new Buckeyes the opportunity to build connections with fellow students, senior students and alumni, thereby expanding their network even before arriving at Ohio State.
Stella, a parent of a new Buckeye, shared her praise for the event. “The send-off event is of great help. After all those introductions, sharing and the Q&A session, we got a clearer insight into our children’s future campus life. In addition, we are provided with opportunities to associate with other Chinese students, alumni and also parents, all of whose experience may turn out to be useful tips. More importantly, our utmost concerning questions, in particular, safety issues, vaccination and health screening, and housing were addressed. We are now more confident and reassured having our kids study abroad."
The events provided an excellent opportunity for new Buckeyes and their family members to forge long-lasting connections with fellow students, alumni and the China Gateway. This robust and reliable network, in turn, enabled new Buckeyes to feel a sense of belonging, making it easier for them to adapt to a new environment.