By: Laura Feveile Thrysoe, Theresa Hoerter and Marla Franziska Sass
Studying abroad is a transformative experience that combines academic pursuits with cultural immersion. However, before students can embark on their journeys, they must navigate a maze of paperwork and administrative tasks. At the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB), the International Office plays a pivotal role in helping students manage these challenges. This article explores the experiences of two exchange students, Tim from Germany and Ana from Denmark, as well as insights from Kristy Aoki, UWGB’s International Student Services Coordinator. Together, their stories provide a comprehensive guide for future exchange students, offering advice, solutions, and encouragement for overcoming the bureaucratic hurdles of studying abroad.
Overcoming Bureaucratic Challenges: Tim’s Journey from Germany
Tim checks his class schedule, adjusting to the academic system at UWGB.
For Tim, an exchange student from Germany, the most challenging part of preparing to study abroad was navigating the visa process. “Paying fees on different websites and trying to understand the instructions was frustrating,” he recalls.
Additionally, the housing process felt overwhelming due to a lack of updates, leaving him unsure whether his application was successful. Tim’s experience highlights the importance of staying organized and persistent.
Tim’s advice to future exchange students is straightforward: start early and prepare for unexpected challenges, such as complicated fees or unclear instructions. He emphasizes the value of patience and reaching out for help when overwhelmed. Despite the initial setbacks, Tim’s determination paid off, and his time at UWGB proved to be an enriching academic and cultural experience.
Ana’s Advice: Tackling Danish Bureaucracy with Support
Ana submits her assignment, staying on top of deadlines during her exchange semester.
Ana, an exchange student from Denmark, found that having support during the preparation process was invaluable.
“Having my mother help me double-check everything made a huge difference,” she explains. Like Tim, Ana faced challenges, including sudden fees and website glitches.
Her strategy involved setting aside full days to complete tasks in one go and keeping both digital and physical copies of all documents.
To future students, Ana recommends starting the application process early, organizing finances, and enlisting a companion for emotional and logistical support. Her practical approach ensured that she could handle the overwhelming aspects of paperwork with confidence, leaving her free to focus on the excitement of her upcoming adventure.
Expert Insights: Kristy’s Role in Simplifying the Process
Kristy responds to student emails, ensuring ongoing support for exchange students at UWGB.
Kristy Aoki, UWGB’s International Student Services Coordinator, is the cornerstone of support for exchange students. Her guidance begins with ensuring students understand the necessary paperwork, such as visa requirements, proof of financial stability, and course enrollment documents. Aoki emphasizes the importance of starting with the exchange programs application and completing immigration steps like the SEVIS database and visa interview.
Kristy and her team also help students navigate housing, meal plans, and orientation, ensuring a smooth transition upon arrival. She recalls assisting a student from Ukraine during the outbreak of war, finding solutions to extend her stay safely in the U.S. Such experiences underscore the International Office’s commitment to student well-being, even in challenging circumstances.
Common issues like homesickness and culture shock are addressed through proactive advice, such as joining teams, staying open to new experiences, and seeking support when needed. Kristy’s message to students is simple: communication is key. Whether it’s asking questions or sharing concerns, the International Office is there to help.
Lessons Learned: Practical Tips for Future Exchange Students
From Tim and Ana’s experiences and Kristy’s expertise, several key lessons emerge:
1. Start Early: Begin preparing paperwork as soon as possible to avoid last-minute stress.
2. Stay Organized: Keep both digital and physical copies of important documents.
3. Seek Support: Rely on family, friends, or university staff for guidance.
4. Be Persistent: Challenges like website issues or delays are normal—stay determined.
5. Stay Open-Minded: Embrace the unexpected and view challenges as part of the journey.
Navigating the paperwork required for studying abroad may feel overwhelming, but with preparation, support, and determination, it is a manageable process. Tim and Ana’s stories show the importance of persistence and organization, while Kristy’s expertise highlights the critical role of university support. For future exchange students, these insights provide a roadmap to simplify the bureaucratic hurdles and focus on the transformative adventure ahead.
