ASG Academic Advising: Expressing The 5 Factors – Community Engagement

When it comes to extracurricular activities, leadership, and community service we can’t overlook the cities and local region in which our students live. While it can take international students time to adapt to living in another society and culture, it is easier & more successful when they become familiar & active in the community.

An example of this is the Youngstown Symphony Youth Orchestra, which is open students ages 13-18 who attend school in Youngstown, Ohio. There is an audition at the end of summer and two concerts during the school year. ASG students have participated in this, opening up the chance to make friends while adding an exciting extracurricular activity to their resume.

We’ve also had ASG students volunteer to work at a charitable coffee shop & to spend time taking care of animals at a local shelter!

The coffee shop provided more interaction with the community, & the animal shelter was a fun experience for students who are animal lovers. Both activities counted as community service.

ASG Students for Charity Club has also been involved in local community service by gathering goods like canned food, clothing & shoes for local charities. Giving back to the community they are living in creates a generous and positive impression of all students studying abroad.

ASG students, under the guidance of staff and leadership of club leaders and student government leaders, have helped to organize participation in local community event such as Halloween & Christmas parades.

They have also created decorations for cultural celebrations held both at ASG & school. While students celebrate & immerse themselves in local culture, they also share some of their own culture.

Getting comfortable with life & being yourself abroad has many lasting benefits for our students.

How would you get involved with your community while studying in America?