Typically, students come to college itching to find their niche at their particular school. And likely, fitting in is merely a petty task for most students.

However, for many international students attending college in the United States, with the educational opportunity comes discomfort, said Sue Songer, international student adviser for the Division of International Programs.

A Recognized Student Organization called the Association of International Students is one campus group which helps international students cope with living in a country foreign to them.

The RSO focuses on building community and conducting social events while also providing an outlet for international students. Since international students often speak various languages, they may be hesitant to get involved, since they are surrounded by a majority of people whose native land is the United States.

“I think many American students are uncomfortable with international students,” Songer said. “It is not a vicious thing. It’s because they are frightened. There is discomfort in crossing the language barrier.”

Despite the discomfort that may exist between American and international students at Eastern, Songer insisted Eastern students are friendly, but the college international scene is different from the one students may be accustomed to from high school. They differ, she said, because international students are more prevalent on college campuses.

AIS, which was spearheaded in the 1970s, hosts monthly forums informing students on different international topics, including study abroad opportunities and the like. Besides students, faculty members and administrators are frequent attendees of the programs, she said.

Yuki Umeda, president of AIS and a committee member for two years, said the members of the organization have a lot of links to people around the world since their community events are not limited to the local area. She said becoming friends with people from different locations and cultures also is important to the group.

The group also conducts international movie nights in which they choose a foreign film with English subtitles for members to enjoy.

Umeda said she is hopeful Eastern students will lose their bias, one thing that is especially important to the group.

Although there may be several differences in culture and traditions between American and international students, Umeda said she is looking forward to a day when “people will look at us as we are.”

Students who have experienced study abroad programs are usually those who can relate the most to international students on campus, Songer said.

“People who have studied abroad show great empathy and understanding to international students here,” Songer said. “I appreciate that.”

Members of AIS are currently fundraising for their trips to St. Louis and Memphis, which are planned for spring break. The group has eagerly been selling 3-by-5-foot flags that can be purchased through the end of February for $10 each, Umeda said. She said the fundraiser is unique because any country’s flag that is known to exist is available for purchase.

Past fundraisers “have been successful,” she said.

Although not affiliated with RSOs such as the Chinese Student Union and the American Asian Association, Umeda said the groups often interact and attend each other’s events.

Before last year, international students’ voices were previously nonexistent in Eastern’s Student Government until an international student captured a slot on the Student Government.

Songer, who continuously advocates for international students involvement, said she was overjoyed when she discovered the particular student’s accomplishment.

“I hope someday for their voices to be heard in campus issues,” Songer said.

AIS meets 5 p.m. Tuesdays on the fourth floor of Booth Library.

For more information on AIS or to purchase a flag, email Umeda at [email protected]