A Look Inside: International Freshman Advantage Program

The first two weeks of my summer vacation consisted of business professional outfit shopping to prepare for my internship, and countless dinner dates with my mom in McLean, Virginia. Of course, I had a handful of outings with high school friends, but the time I spent in my hometown was short lived. I quickly had to pack one suitcase for the three months I would be spending in New York. On August 8th, my internship had come to a close, and I traveled to Williamsburg to assist in the International Freshman Advantage Program with the Reves Center for International Studies as a Peer Assistant.

The International Freshman Advantage Program is for new students who would like a crash-course on collegiate academic writing, and an opportunity to orientate themselves on campus before orientation week. My role manifested itself during the second half of the program when the students came to campus. I was responsible for showing them around Williamsburg, assisting with basic necessities like acquiring phone SIM cards, opening bank accounts, and answering any student life questions they may have.

I was a peer assistant for this program last year, and would love to do it for years to come if it continues to work with my summer schedule. I loved listening to the fascinating contrasts between the City of Thrilliamsburg and each student’s home country. Each connection I made with the program participants felt more like a friendship than a work obligation. Hearing stories about their hometown, and what they had to tell me about their adventures around the ‘Burg was captivating. It feels amazing to welcome new students to my favorite college campus, and I will always remember how brave these students are for leaving their home country, and often times their entire family, to pursue education at William & Mary. Welcome to the Tribe! <3