Hello again! It’s your Japanese-Brazilian guest author, Jodie! 😁
What an honor it is to be back and have the chance to share some thoughts on my journey as an international student in the U.S. Many of these reflections might sound familiar, but I wanted to share how I experienced some of the more “obvious” transitions we all face when we move to an entirely different country.
Before anything else… I just want to say:
I’m SO proud of all of us. It takes real courage to pursue an education far from home, in a completely new environment, often without the opportunity to visit family until graduation. That’s a huge accomplishment, and if no one’s told you that recently, here’s your reminder. You’re doing something incredibly brave.
The First Culture Shock: Friendly, but Not Deep? 🤔
One of the first and biggest culture shocks I experienced was how Americans interact socially. People are incredibly friendly— they’ll smile, greet you, even hold the door open— but the depth of connection doesn’t always come right away.
Coming from Brazil, where warmth and closeness are the norm, this felt jarring. I also grew up in a tiny community where my school had about 300 students from kindergarten to 12th grade. I had the same 20 classmates from 4th grade until I graduated! Our friendships were deep, lasting, and rooted in years of shared life. So when I got to the U.S., I was surprised to find that “How are you?” often wasn’t an invitation to talk— it was just another way of saying hello.
This surface-level style of communication took time to adjust to. Over time, I realized this also ties into broader cultural values. The U.S. tends to lean toward individualism— where personal freedom and self-expression are emphasized— while many of us come from collectivist cultures that prioritize group harmony and interdependence. This shift in priorities and relational values was something I wasn’t prepared for, and honestly, I’m still adjusting.
Marketing Yourself—The Post-Grad Reality 🤓
Fast forward to life after graduation, and I faced another major hurdle: learning how to market myself in the professional world. I found myself in a confusing space of needing to “stand out” but also “stay humble,” to “brag” just enough but not too much. I had to translate my story into numbers, bullet points, and results… and that felt foreign in more ways than one.
Part of that struggle, I’ll admit, came from my own journey with self-confidence. But another part of it was learning to balance who I am with what’s expected in the U.S. job market. Over time, I’ve learned that while adapting to the culture is important, we don’t need to completely conform. We CAN stay true to who we are AND learn how to communicate our values in a way that fits the environment we’re in.
One thing that helped immensely was building relationships with mentors, especially international alumni who had walked a similar path. They just GET IT. And while I’m grateful for the support I received from staff during college, there were times when I felt that some of the more nuanced challenges international students face weren’t always fully understood. That’s why I always recommend finding mentors, both local and international, who can guide you with empathy and experience.
The Never-Ending Culture Shock 😵💫
Here’s something I wish someone had told me: culture shock doesn’t stop after freshman year. I naively assumed I’d adjust after the first year or so, but even after graduating, I continued to run into moments of confusion, frustration, and surprise. And that’s okay. It took me a while to give myself grace for that.
When you’ve spent the first 18 years of your life in one culture, it’s natural that it takes time to fully understand and feel grounded in another. Even if you’ve lived in multiple countries, the U.S. presents its unique challenges. So if you find yourself feeling out of place sometimes, you’re not alone. It’s a long journey, but the growth that comes from it is so, so worth it.
The Weather? Yeah, That Was a Shock Too 🥶
Another thing no one warned me about? The weather! Coming from a warm country, I had no idea how much the seasons could affect my mood. I spent eight years in Massachusetts, and let me just say: seasonal depression is REAL. Winters were long, dark, and brutally cold. I had to completely revamp my wardrobe just to survive my first year. So if you’re moving somewhere with a harsher climate, invest in warm clothes early. Your future self will thank you.
And don’t be afraid to admit it if you’re struggling with seasonal depression. Acknowledging it helped me connect with others who were feeling the same way and gave me the push I needed to build a self-care routine that kept me afloat. The sooner we come to terms with it, the sooner we can adapt and seek support.
Looking back, I’m grateful for every awkward, confusing, and enlightening moment—they’ve all shaped who I am today. If you’re in the middle of your own transition right now, just know: you’re not alone. And even when it feels hard— especially when it feels hard— remember that you’re growing in ways you can’t yet see.
Keep going. You’re doing amazing. 😉
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