“It was a little bit of a culture shock, because everything's so different here. But if you're open minded and open to trying new things, it can be pretty easy. You can make a lot of friends by just going to like the grotto, the pub or any school facility. I was able to meet a lot of people from back in the US.” 

- Blake Pasternack, a senior at Franklin from California. 

 

For those moving abroad and leaving their support network behind, it can be especially daunting and difficult to settle into a new lifestyle. The ease of integrating into foreign countries is also dependent on factors such as the destination location. At least half of Franklin students make a huge lifestyle change by moving very far away from home. In this transition you are not alone because every student has these feelings. 

 

 “Go to all of the school events. It's a good way to meet people and get invested in the community and figure out what you do and don't like doing in Franklin and in Lugano. Says Gabi Teerlynck, an Resident Assistant, “Just get a feel for the city and all of the different things it has to offer.” 

 

A lot of international students, especially Americans, feel like outsiders with the locals and get nervous about the language barrier. This leads students to not embrace the local community as much and stay within the “Franklin bubble.”

 

 “Don't let the language barrier scare you.” says sophomore Sofia Rojo “In fact, the reason you come here is to integrate yourself into a new country and you should take advantage of that. Don't be scared because they might not speak your language. Know that you're the outsider. So you should take the time and really learn their culture and their language to really just show appreciation that you are happy to be here.” 

 

Staying in touch with your support network back home shouldn’t be overlooked during the process of integrating into your new life. The drastic change in environment, lifestyle and culture can often lead to feelings of isolation, which in turn can result in loneliness. It can often feel like the time difference between home affects your ability to communicate but if you plan ahead you can find time to talk. With the wide diversity of students there are many opportunities to connect with students and faculty that have similar backgrounds. When you start to get more comfortable with your environment and peers and classes you will realize that the integration wasn't as scary of a process as it seems. The locations on this guide will ultimately help you live like a local and enjoy the incredible scenery of Lugano. The stimulating environment and memorable experience you will create here will play a fundamental role in your future. Attending Franklin will teach you how to be independent, adventurous and when you change environments in the future you will know how to adjust.