The International Student Club: A Club where Immigrants can Seek Comfort
BOSTON, MASS - The International Students Club was an addition to Newman’s extensive club roster this year. It provides a space for international students to seek out the comforts of home in what is a new city to them.
The club was started by Valerie Dubé, French teacher at Newman at the start of the year and is co-led by Agnes Lee, guidance counselor support at the school. When creating the club, Dubé mentioned how her own experience shaped the formation, and now the advice she gives as well. “I just thought about my own immigration story and how it was not easy. It took many years to feel at home here and feel accustomed, and since I have experience, maybe give a shortcut to newer students,” Dubé commented.
She further explained what different types of advice are given throughout the club, highlighting the changes the students might experience. “We have also talked about daylight savings and weather especially. Many of the students come from these very warm places and aren’t accustomed to the colder weather”, Dubé further explained.
With many of these new experiences, Dubé mentioned the different types of advice they would be given. “We talked about the transition and how it can be a challenge, but also how to face the challenge with our resources”, Dubé also gave examples of advice in these situations such as consistently going outside to meet the weather or helping the students find the cuisine from their homes.
”We want to be a networking point for students.. And find a common source to find what they need” Dubé commented, highlighting another way the club can help the students as well as providing the example of advocating on the students behalf if they need. An example was a student struggling to understand a teacher due to their speed of speech, and the club talking to the teacher and supporting in any way possible.
Dubé further introduced a tradition of “try[ing] to appoint one of the things that we’re grateful for that we find here in Massachusetts”. She explained that this is an incredible experience to have this new experience and that, though they address all difficulties, it is also important to show appreciation for the opportunity.
It is also of importance to the club to view different perspectives, as some people don’t understand the experience immigrants go through. Dubé explained how this came through during a talk about microaggressions. “We give them concrete advice and we talk about some lack of information from others about immigrants and how microaggressions can occur… hopefully they would be more prepared if they are thrown”
Currently, the club consists of around three students. Dubé commented on how this affects the dynamics of the club. ““This is meant to be affinity based, but right now we only have one affinity group. Hopefully, they could find affinity as well with more students, and even mentorship”, highlighting the opportunities that could open in the case of more students joining the club.
“I hope for the club to be very full and very vibrant,” Dubé shares, encouraging students to join the club. Students are also encouraged to join once or twice to see how they enjoy the club or even just come for advice or to use their resources. The club is filled with understanding of the new experience and would love to help all international students.
The International Student Club - Photo Credits to Valerie Dubé