A support network is something you developed over several years. You did not suddenly have a group of people with whom you were close; you formed this network slowly, person by person. This network is an important part of our lives and we need people around us, just as they need us around them.

When you left home, you left your support network behind. It exists - the people are still there - but because of the distance it is more difficult to turn to these people for companionship, affection, help, and support when you need them. You can write and telephone them, perhaps even visit, but they are not constantly near you and are not part of your daily life in this country. You need to develop a new support network in the United States that can serve the same purpose for you as the one you had at home, so that you will have people here with whom you can share your life. At home you may have spoken with your family and friends regularly, even daily. Sometimes you just wanted to talk; you may have wanted to ask someone's opinion, or you may have wanted to tell someone about something bothersome. If you do not develop such a group of people in this country, you will be isolated and homesick. You will feel better about being here after meeting some friends with whom you can share your thoughts and feelings.

You may feel a natural rapport with other students from your country, and they may be able to understand you and help you in ways that others cannot. You will also have the opportunity to meet students from the United States and from around the world who may become good friends. If you join a student organization, attend a particular place of worship on a regular basis, or attend activities on campus, you may meet one, two or more people in those places who will become friends - part of your growing support network.

In the United States, people are willing to go outside their families and close friends when they develop a support network. For example, there might be a professor whom they respect who is willing to discuss various matters with them. Americans will sometimes consult a counselor to discuss personal problems, professional issues, and important decisions they must make. Other people will turn to clergy. Many Americans tend to see these people as "experts" or objective observers and are willing to consult them.

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