Hi lovely internationals,
Before anything else, we would like to state that we are incredibly excited to welcome all of you to Yale and we can assure you that it is going to be a great year with so many experiences that you will look back and cherish for years to come. As you settle into your life here, we know that your international identity will make those experiences even more meaningful. We hope that as the International Students' Organization, we can take part in your great memories.
Coming to a school like Yale from thousands of kilometers away might feel daunting or somewhat intimidating at first. Many of you might have worries about culture shock, homesickness, language barriers and social differences. Regardless of all the common worries you might have or the emotions you might be feeling right now, you should always know that you have a family here who is ready to support you no matter what the situation might be.
Being an international student at Yale feels almost like finding yourself a home away from home. Reading this, you will all be thinking that it is a cliché which has been repeated by many others. Yet, I would like you to remember this very sentence at the end of your first year experience. As you look back to the amazing memories you will all collect throughout the year, you will come to realize that being an international builds a deeper connection and creates a bond that cannot be replaced. That collective moment when you wave your family goodbye and put that passport in that safe thick folder bonds us in such a way that cannot be explained in words. It is much stronger yet it provides a sense of safety, a warm feeling of protection.
Leaving your home, language, family and everything that once felt familiar to you behind ischallenging. However, every single one of you behaved with such great courage in taking this step and coming to Yale. Don’t ever forget how great of an achievement that is and and how significant of an ability it is to bring your values, culture, and a sense of home to another country. It is through the likes of you that this institution is a cultural bridge between many backgrounds and walks of life and it is through you that every conversation brings about a learning experience for whomever might be talking to you.
As the co-presidents of the International Students Organization, we will be working to shape your international experience in the most meaningful way possible. We are here solely for you and to make this year one that you will never forget. Throughout the year, there will be opportunities for you to be involved in ISO, to attend events, and to connect with your international family continuously. In simpler words, ISO has always been the year-long extension of OIS and the home to your international family. This year too, it will be providing you
with anything you need during this transition to life here in the US. As you navigate your first year here, we would like you to see us as brothers and sisters that you can ask for anything and everything knowing that at the end of the day, we want what is best for you. All the time with no exceptions. We have planned great changes with an ISO that is more dynamic than ever and we cannot wait to share all the big news with all of you very soon.
We would like to finish by reminding all of you that your experiences from all around the world are your greatest assets. We cannot wait to learn about all of them and to see you engage with ISO.
Have an amazing time at OIS.
Much love,
Dilge, Anna, Arnav
