Finding a Home at OWU

President Matt vandenBerg tossed towels into the crowd at Ohio Wesleyan’s convocation ceremony - something Ryotaro Shingu never expected to see from a university president. 

“In Japan, the president is very serious,” Shingu said.

International students like Shingu arrive at OWU facing more than a new campus. Differences in food, language and social customs can make daily life unfamiliar.

Food was one of the biggest challenges students described.

Mayu Sato, a sophomore from Japan, found American food heavier than meals she ate at home. 

“The food here is very carb-heavy. I miss the broth-based light foods from Japan.”

Shingu was surprised by the size of food portions, and the amount of food students throw away in dining halls, something he said would be unusual in Japan.

Yegor Sorokin, associate director of International and Off-Campus Programs, said food continues to be a challenge even after students adjust to other parts of American college life.

“They get used to culture, people, academics, but they still struggle with the food.”

The adjustment does not end in the dining hall.

Toko Kawanami, also from Japan, said she likes how willing Americans are to talk to strangers.

“Everyone here talks to you and is energetic. I really like it because before I came here, I was looking forward to getting to know people.”

Despite this openness, Sato said the language barrier can make it difficult to join established friend groups.

“It’s hard to get inside the circle and talk to everyone.”

She also found some people intimidating at first, but her view changed once she got to know them.

“I thought everybody was scary, but once that shell broke, they were really nice,” Sato said. 

Hana Akram, a student from Pakistan, said it also took some time to feel at home. Walking around campus and Delaware helped her learn the area and feel more comfortable.

Campus support can ease the transition.

Kawanami said being picked up from the airport and receiving a welcome package during her first days at OWU made her feel cared for before classes even began.

OWU’s International and Off-Campus Programs office prepares students before arrival and supports them through orientation, guidance and social events throughout their college journey.

Sorokin sees some of the biggest changes by the end of a student’s first year. 

Students who arrive shy or struggle with English often gain confidence, form friendships and build connections with faculty and staff.

Kawanami said having people to turn to has helped her adjust to life at OWU.

“I feel like I can ask them anything,” she said.