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Why We Started The Global Academic
If transitioning from high school to college is challenging, being an international student adds an extra layer to that experience. Sure, it is exciting, gives a new perspective on life, and is something you will remember and benefit from for the rest of your life. But it also comes with unique challenges.
Even more than American students, international students are far away from home, often for the first time. In addition, they have to navigate a different country, perhaps a different language, different social rules, and foreign cultural norms. Additional challenges come from unfamiliar academic expectations: different hierarchies, support systems, and ways of interacting with professors and peers. And of course, the big one for many international students: How do I make friends here? How do I fit in?
Too often, we see international students retreat. They become withdrawn in the classroom, connect only with other international students, and therefore don’t make the most of this incredible opportunity. Unless, of course, they learn how to overcome these challenges.
That’s where The Global Academic comes in!
We understand what students are going through, not only because we work with them every day, but because we’ve been international students ourselves.
Dr. Yim after testifying at the German Parliament in Berlin
Dr. Yim’s Story
Dr. Yim was an international undergraduate student in Ukraine – an eye-opening experience. One of her most cherished memories is what a fellow international student once said:
“You are the only one of us who made actual Ukrainian friends.”
That was true, and her experience and language learning was so much deeper because of it.
And even though she is now a professor in the US, she is a native German. Moving from the German educational system to a US postdoc and academic career brought its own surprises. One unexpected challenge? Learning to recalibrate how to say “no.”
In Germany, had somebody asked: ‘Do you want to go to the movies?,’ she would have confidently answered, ‘No, I don’t.’ Because in Germany, it’s ok to be direct.
After 20 years in California, however, she would never respond that way. Now, she’d say something like, ‘Let me think about it,’ or ‘That sounds fun — I’m so sorry I can’t make it.’
But when she first came here? She genuinely waited for people to tell her - once they were done thinking about it - whether or not they were coming to the movies. Which, of course, they never did — because what they really told her was ‘no.’
The moral of this story: You can adapt – but some help earlier on would have been nice!
Dr. Mjolsness at the GUM department store in Moscow after a long day working in the Russian State Archives
Dr. Mjolsness’ Story
Dr. Mjolsness’ experience as an international student spans five countries! Every day, she sees her own international students face the same challenges she once did.
She once got her words confused in a cafeteria line and accidentally asked for “a neighbor” instead of “a sausage.” She also struggled to adapt to the oral examination system in the Soviet Union — no small feat.
Her solution? Finding her language superpower: explaining a word she had forgotten without ever using that word.
Despite language barriers, she made some amazing friends that she still talks to today. Today, she feels a strong connection with the international students in her classrooms at UC Irvine. Her early challenges taught her resilience and creativity, shaping the way she approaches both teaching and mentoring.
She often reminds her international students:
“Mistakes aren’t failures — they’re opportunities to grow, connect, and laugh along the way.”
And So - We Created The Global Academic!
We finally did it. Now we get to do what we are so passionate about – to provide international students with the time and individualized support that will make a real difference academically and socially.
We hope you’ll join us and let us help you make your experience as an international student the best it can be.
The Global Academic, LLC
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