More than 800 students from more than 80 nations take part in the Auburn experience each year, according to the Office of International Education.
"American culture is a combination of so many cultures," said Shakeer Abdullah, director of the Multicultural Center in the Student Center.
In the same way, the Auburn student body is a combination of many international students bringing their own experiences and perspectives to the Plains.
"They come in with an understanding of American culture," Abdullah said. "They really find a way to interact with American culture and also share their own culture."
One might wonder how international students are able to assimilate into American culture while not losing their own.
"I think it's really not so much assimilation as integrating American culture with their own culture," Abdullah said.
According to Abdullah, international students are open to American culture, and the key is for American students to be as open to foreign cultures.
"American students aren't always as open to getting to know international students and including international students in programs and events," Abdullah said.
One way American students can better understand the position of international students is by studying abroad themselves.
Nathan Simone, junior in journalism, studied abroad in Taormina, Italy, this summer and said experiencing being an international student himself has affected how he thinks about international students at Auburn.
"When you are in another country and you meet someone who doesn't know something so normal to you, it's completely crazy," Simone said. "But you realize they've never seen it; it's not their fault."
Abdullah said a majority of international students say they wish they had more opportunities to interact with American students.
"I've worked at a number of institutions, and many of them have done a great job of integrating international students into the student culture," Abdullah said.
Auburn has an international orientation for new international students, as well as the International Student Organization.
ISO, one resource which helps international students become acclimated on campus, works to promote international relationships and ease the transition for international students.
According to Abdullah, the real challenge is to ensure that beyond the beginning orientation, international students are getting as involved as possible.
"I came to Auburn for the program I'm in and also because I was curious about the place," said Carlos Torrebiarte, junior in supply chain management from Guatemala. "I feel welcome at Auburn, though at first it takes some time."
Abdullah said American students should take time to share their culture with international students and show genuine interest in other cultures.
"Just be open and inviting," Abdullah said.
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