Overcoming the cultural shock: expectations vs. reality for international scholars in the US

International scholars’ mobility generates rich environments where scientific and community problems can be understood, discussed, and solved from different unique perspectives based on the scholar's diverse experiences and backgrounds. However, international mobility does not come without challenges. Adapting to a new environment (starting from the differences in food habits to navigating the financial system or interacting with peers) after moving to a different country can be troublesome and can potentially harm the overall performance of an international scholar.

 At the university level, the international affairs offices’ resources are often limited in providing support to new international scholars and other resources should be widely available to encourage a diverse scientific community where incoming scholars feel welcomed and can thrive. Academic and professional societies, union organizations, and local or national associations can play a vital role in helping international scholars cope with their new reality, aiding in their success, overcoming cultural barriers, and creating an inclusive and equitable environment where individuals can contribute to the overall scientific community. From my perspective as an international researcher in the US, I will share the challenges that I encountered, and my experiences on how I overcame them to become a member of the scientific community.