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After the first period when interacting with many internationals feels so enriching, you might feel like living in a bubble and not knowing much about your host culture and its people. Let’s be honest, engaging with local communities is difficult and the language and cultural barriers play a major role. However, this does not mean that is impossible. Once you find your ‘entry point’, you might overcome feelings of isolation, enhance social inclusion, and reduce stress.
Small steps you can take
- Participating in civic engagement activities organised by ESN sections or other local organisations has proved to foster a sense of belonging and encourage active participation in the local community the last ESN survey shows. Moreover, student associations representing and giving services to international students can function as a bridge to connect with locals by circumnavigating barriers to integration. Civic engagement activities will expose you to issues that matter to the local community and you will work with others to make a change.
- Besides civic engagement and volunteerism, joining local sports clubs or arts/music/drama clubs are effective entry points for integration. These activities increase the number of interactions with locals and will make you feel more welcomed and valued. Moreover, meeting with local peers might help you to understand the educational system and human relations in the host country.
Competencies
Intercultural learning
Multilingualism
Cultural awareness and expression
Citizenship
Working with others
Problem solving
Engaging citizenship through digital technologies
Learn more about the competences by visiting the Competence inventory.
How to boost your learning experience