Faculty First Year Seminars 191SOM5 - The International Life

What does it mean to build part of your life outside the United States? When many students imagine an "international career," they picture travel, business deals, or global headlines. But an international life often begins much earlier - with curiosity, language study, cultural discomfort, and the decision to step into an unfamiliar environment. This course explores what it means to live, study, and work abroad as a young adult. Through discussion, short readings, reflective writing, and shared conversation, students will examine themes such as identity, culture shock, language learning, belonging, risk-taking, and personal growth. We will ask: What happens when you become the outsider? How do cultural assumptions shape the way we see the world? How can early college decisions open (or close) global opportunities? Alongside the topic itself, this course emphasizes first-year success skills. Students will practice discussion-based learning, reflective writing, and goal setting while building a supportive academic community. We will also explore campus resources related to study abroad, internships, language programs, and global engagement. This seminar is designed for students who are curious about the wider world - and about who they are becoming. No prior international experience is required. Only openness, thoughtful engagement, and a willingness to explore new perspectives. An international life does not begin with a plane ticket. It begins with curiosity.

First-year (R1ST)