Beyond fitting in: Empower international students through appreciative inquiry framework

For many international students, stepping into a U.S. college classroom for the first time is both exciting and overwhelming. Although some may have traveled abroad before, studying at an American institution presents a unique set of cultural and academic challenges that can feel daunting. Internal and external barriers often surface during their first year, shaping their confidence and sense of belonging. These challenges were magnified during the COVID‐19 pandemic, when delayed arrivals disrupted critical adjustment periods. More recently, paused visa interviews and added administrative hurdles have introduced new layers of uncertainty, leaving many students anxious about whether they could begin their studies in the United States on time.