On any given morning inside the hallways of Boston University’s College of Communication, you can hear and see a mix of accents and identities before students step into classrooms. Conversations move between English and fragments of other languages, shaped by experiences far beyond Boston.
For many international students, COM becomes more than just a school. It’s where they begin to shape their identities, goals, and futures in a new environment.
For Paulina Flores (COM 28) from Mexico, Yael Atie (COM 28) from Panama, and Sarah Attie (COM 26) from Panama, BU has been more than an academic experience. Their journeys have been a process of adjusting, growing, and finding their place.
I asked these students a series of questions to better understand their unique journeys and perspectives on transition.
(Photo/YaelAtie ’28) (Photo/PaulinaFlores ’28) (Photo/SarahAttie ’26)
What are you studying, and what has your academic experience been like?
Paulina, a public relations and journalism student, said her classes focus heavily on writing and practical application. “You’re not really studying for tests, you’re always creating,” she said. “It’s very hands-on.”
Her favorite class, International Public Relations, reflects that approach by exploring communication in a global context.
Sarah, majoring in journalism, pointed to her Newsroom class (JO 400) as her favorite. This course takes students into Boston neighborhoods, where they gain real-world reporting experience by engaging directly with local communities.
“We actually go out, report, and talk to people,” she said. “I met so many amazing people and got to understand what’s really happening in their communities.”
Meanwhile, Yael, an advertising student, described her major as creative and nontraditional. Her favorite class is Fundamentals of Creative Development. “In advertising, there’s no one right answer,” she said. “You’re pushed to think in different ways and approach things from multiple angles.”
How has adjusting to a new country been?
Each student shared that adjusting to life in the U.S. has brought challenges. For Paulina, the transition was relatively smooth due to her experience at an American school in Mexico. Still, she noticed differences in college life. “It’s kind of like the movies,” she said. “Back home, everything felt more casual.”
Yael described the transition as more independent and at times overwhelming. “You have to do everything on your own,” she said. “It’s a lot, but it helps you grow.” Yael also noted a difference in priorities, saying students in the U.S. tend to be more focused on their careers.
For Sarah, the biggest culture shock was social interaction. “In Latin America, people talk to you and are more friendly,” she said. “Here, people are more reserved and don’t really engage with strangers.”
What are your thoughts on BU and Boston?
All three students described Boston as an ideal place to live and study. Paulina said she appreciates the balance the city offers. “It feels like a big city, but it’s not overwhelming,” she said. “There are so many students, so you feel like you belong.”
Yael said Boston has exposed her to people from different backgrounds. “It really opens your mind,” she said. “You learn so much from different cultures.”
Sarah described Boston as “beautiful” and full of opportunities, but said BU could do more to support international students. “There are so many resources,” she said, “but I think there should be a class that teaches international students how to actually use them.”
What have your favorite and least favorite experiences at BU been?
Studying abroad has brought both challenges and rewards for Sarah, Paulina, and Yael. For Sarah, one of the most difficult aspects has been academics, particularly exams. “They’re really hard,” she said. “Failing one can be tough.”
At the same time, she said some of her favorite moments come from those challenges, including studying late with classmates, visiting convenience stores, and building relationships with professors. “It’s those moments that make everything worth it,” Sarah said.
Paulina said homesickness has been one of the hardest parts of being abroad. “At first, it’s overwhelming,” she said. “You miss your people back home.”
Over time, she said, students begin to find their community and feel more at home. Yael highlighted the positive side of her experience, including joining clubs, meeting people from different countries, and learning from professors. “These experiences show you how important education is,” she said. “They open so many doors.”
For Paulina, Yael, and Sarah, studying at BU has meant more than academics. It has meant learning how to navigate a new culture, build independence, and find community far from home.
While the transition has not always been easy, their experiences reflect a shared sense of growth. Over time, what once felt unfamiliar begins to feel routine, and Boston becomes more than just a place to study. It becomes a second home.
Odette is a sophomore from Panama City studying media science with a minor in business. She enjoys traveling, reading and trying new restaurants. She is interested in understanding how people interact with media and technology and applying research to develop meaningful solutions. She plans to continue learning, growing, and building connections.
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