Just arriving in Miami—not as a tourist, but as someone who’s going to live in this city for at least the next year—already makes this a different experience. Right away, you start to notice the differences from everyday life in our little Montevideo, and you begin to feel a mix of mixed emotions.
As an international student, you face many challenges, such as adapting to different cultures, new and unfamiliar environments, leaving loved ones behind, and the feeling of having to fend for yourself as you tackle the challenges ahead. At FIU, they are very aware of this, and from the moment you arrive on campus, they let you know that you can count on their support to overcome any obstacles that come your way. From the moment you arrive at the desk to register as a new student, they make you feel welcome and encourage you to build new friendships and think of the campus as your new home. They always try to keep you busy, constantly organizing student events and orientation sessions to help make this an incredible experience and foster friendships among everyone.
For example, on the first Wednesday of every month, they hold International Coffee Hour, where a different country is chosen for each session and a snack is prepared based on that country’s traditions so that people from all over the world can spend the afternoon together. They also organize movie nights in university halls, trips to the beach, and city tours, among many other free events that are announced weekly.
The first activities, of course, were the orientation sessions, which are designed to address any questions that might arise during the first few days. They lasted almost a week and were really helpful. During these sessions, you begin to learn about the rules and benefits of being part of the FIU community, and they also serve as a step-by-step guide to help you fully settle in as a resident of Miami.
Before boarding the plane, I remember hearing comments about the size of the university. I didn’t pay much attention; I thought they were exaggerating. The truth is, they were actually underestimating it. For someone used to universities in Uruguay, it’s very hard to explain the sheer size of the FIU campus. I think the best way to describe it is as a small city, with its own streets, its own parking lots, its own gym, and even its own food courts and shops. Without a doubt, that was what impressed me the most when I arrived; I never imagined I’d have to carry a map with me just to know where to go.
After being surprised by the size of the school, I was surprised by the diversity of the student body. While it’s true that most students come from Latin America, I’ve met people from all over the world. Among my classmates, I’ve struck up conversations with people from Denmark, Germany, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, the United States, and various countries in the Middle East. The professional atmosphere and everyone’s friendliness really stand out, as from the very first greeting they make themselves available to help with any questions or difficulties you may have, treating everyone as equals, regardless of age or individual background.
I’ve only been in this new phase for a short time and I still have a long way to go, but I can already say that it will be an unforgettable and life-changing experience. I’m so glad I decided to take the plunge. If you has desire and the opportunity, I encourage anyone considering it to make the same decision.