Newly Accepted International Students
Student Life
Welcome to LIFE at UMFK!
Welcome to the University of Maine at Fort Kent! We are a tight-knit, friendly, diverse campus with students from around the globe. Our international students are vital to our community, playing active roles in our academic, cultural, and extracurricular life on campus. Learning about other cultures, regions, and international happenings is integral to our student experience.
UMFK offers various clubs, intramural activities, and campus events to keep you entertained when not studying or in classes. And our location, with easy access to snowmobile and ATV trails, an Olympic-class triathlon / outdoor center, and a network of hiking, nordic skiing, and alpine ski trails, make us the ideal school for anyone with an interest in winter sports and outdoor activities.
Moving and studying in a new country can be overwhelming, but our friendly staff, DSOs, and international community are here to help make the transition to LIFE at UMFK as easy and stress-free as possible.
Again, welcome to the UMFK Bengals family, and GO BENGALS!
To Do Before Arriving at UMFK
Arrival in the U.S. and at UMFK
Adjusting to American Culture
Moving to a new country comes with unique challenges. Coming to the U.S. for the first time, you may face a fair amount of culture shock, as laws, rights, healthcare, and monetary systems may vary significantly from those of your home country. To help combat the symptoms of culture shock, remember the following tips:
- Keep regular contact with your family and friends back home.
- Familiarize yourself with American culture to reduce possible surprises when first arriving.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet, and choose familiar dishes from your home country when possible.
- Find activities and clubs that will introduce you to individuals with similar interests as yourself.
- Continue routine habits, practices, and activities to stay grounded in your culture and identity.
- Bring familiar items that help you feel more at home.
- Establish a support system, be it through a host family, new friendships, or social activities.
- Remind yourself that feelings you may experience, such as loneliness, longing for family, or vulnerability, are perfectly normal.
- Consider using counseling services available to you on campus to combat symptoms of culture shock you may experience.
International Student provides a guide on the USA “Way of Life” that students may find helpful in adjusting to life in the United States. Note: International Student is not affiliated with UMFK, and we are not responsible for the content provided on their website.