iTHRIVE: An International Student’s Guide to Thriving in the U.S.

Book Synopsis: iTHRIVE is designed to support prospective and current international students to develop a growth mindset, deeper awareness of themselves, and a broader understanding of the resources available to them.

Section 1: “Getting Started” provides reflection questions to help readers examine why they want to study abroad and includes tips on applying to schools/programs.

Section 2: “Thriving in the U.S.” explores adapting to cultural differences, attending to holistic health, making friends, and planning for finances, academics, and career steps to help readers build a more balanced life in the U.S.

Section 3: “Advice for Staff and Faculty on Supporting International Students” focuses on practical ways that professionals working in higher education can support students in from before they arrive on campus through graduation and beyond.

By completing this workbook, international students will find themselves more prepared when facing challenges. They will be ready not just to survive but to THRIVE during their time in school.

Inside iTHRIVE, you will find:

• Tips and recommendations that go beyond getting into universities, colleges, undergraduate programs, and graduate programs.
• U.S.-specific resources and examples related to academic success, physical/spiritual/mental health, financial wellness, and more from published research and the author’s own experience.
• Practical suggestions for staff and faculty members to better support international students.

Praise for iTHRIVE:

“A second to none guidebook for all prospective and current international students who wish to be holistically successful in their journey as international students, from start to finish, in the U.S.”

- Dr. Bongjoo Hwang, Co-Founder of Korean Psychology Network and Executive Director of Cal State San Marcos Student Health & Counseling Services

“Helps perspective international students to pause, reflect, and take the right path. Dr. Lei Wang has thoroughly thought of each step and questions one should ask and has provided the tools needed to 'Thrive' as international students in the U.S.A.”

- Rojina Regmi, former Nepalese international master’s student at Chatham University

“I wish I had a resource like this book when I first moved to the U.S… The first chapter in the workbook would have been so helpful to prepare myself with the upcoming struggles and barriers to thrive and come up with a plan to cope ahead.”

- Ashna Sangar, current Indian international doctoral student at the University of Kentucky

“Dr. Wang’s anecdotes and life experiences make this book personable and helps the reader feel less alone during each stage of the journey into the United States. I’d recommend each university’s Office of Int'l Services to add this workbook to their list of resources!”

- Dr. Shaznin Daruwalla, Licensed Psychologist, Past Co-Chair of the International Section of Division 17: The Society of Counseling Psychology of the American Psychological Association