Stepping out of Your Comfort Zone as an International Student
By Minhee Choi
After a long plane ride with mixed emotions of excitement and anxiousness, you will soon find yourself in Ann Arbor. Buildings, roads, cars and people look unfamiliar and you will soon realize that there is no turning back. Congratulation! As international students at the University of Michigan, we already took the first step out of our comfort zone: The decision to study far from home.
Of course there are things that force you to step out of comfort zone as international students as you find out that participation is our 10% of grade which requires us to speak up in class and live in the same room with a stranger from different culture. This may take time but you will soon beginning to fully settle into your new home and get used to classes. But I want to encourage not to get settle into a fixed routine, but instead get out of your comfort zone and discover yourself in America.
Before we talk about some tangible things you can do to step out of your comfort zone, I want us to understand that everyone’s reaction to stress is different. According to the New York Times Article, Tiptoeing Out of One’s Comfort Zone (and of Course, Back IN) by Alina Tugend, the objective is to reach that optimal level so that our skills increase and we become comfortable with that new level of anxiety - then we are in an expanded comfort zone.
Brene Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work and the author of “The Gifts of Imperfection”, has another definition of comfort zone: “Where our uncertainty, scarcity and vulnerability are minimized - where we believe we will have access to enough love, food, talent, time and admiration. Where we feel we have some control.” She concludes that when we get into times of social, political or financial stability, our comfort zones get smaller.”
From these two definitions of “comfort zone”, there are common themes that we experience as international students: social instability in new culture, insecurity about our language barrier and lack of social support. Although it may be uncomfortable for us, optimal anxiety of being out your comfort zone can help your mental productivity and perform reach their peak. According to an article by Alan Henry, The Science of Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone (and Why You Should), here are the benefits from stepping out of your comfort zone:
- You will be more productive
- You will have an easier time dealing with new and unexpected changes
- You will find it easier to push your boundaries in the future
- You will find it easier to brainstorm and harness your creativity.
So are you ready to step out of your comfort zone? Here are some suggestions from me!
In the beginning of the semester, different student organizations and departments participate in Festifall and Northfest. It is an event where majority of all 500+ organizations of the University of Michigan have information and recruiting tables lining sidewalks. This will be a good opportunity for you to browse and explore different clubs, sports or organization that you hope to try or join. The University website gives you Festifall/Northfest Tips if you are interested in looking at the before you step out of your comfort zone.
- Get to know your classmates and dormmates
- Take unique courses to enhance international student experiences
- Explore your local community and area
- Blogs about courses that enhance the international student experience
- Explore your local community and area
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