Auburn University to Integrate Domestic, International Students

Not since the 1960s and 70s has Auburn University been so focused on integration, but a new initiative to enroll 1000 new international undergraduate students is bringing together Auburn’s Office of International Programs and the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs to expand the ‘Campus Buddy’ program to welcome new international students to campus. Planned is the coupling of domestic students of all backgrounds and cultures to assist incoming international students as they transition to campus life at an American university. The successful integration of these internationals is the goal, and domestic students can assist not only with orientation and academic culture but as a continuing support network to ensure academic and social success.

Bomb scares on campus during spring semester exams created unwanted disruption. They are unfortunate and illegal interruptions of student academic struggles, but for international students unfamiliar with American culture and behaviors, these events can prove especially unnerving.

“Some of our international students come from countries and cultures where such violence does not exist, or they come from countries where bomb threats are all too real - and without cultural context, our international students can feel vulnerable and isolated. This is where our efforts to integrate our campus through peer support across cultures can really help” says Dr. Gillespie, assistant provost for international programs.

For more information about the International Buddy Program, click here.