New to the North: Being an International Student in Grand Forks

Have you ever found yourself stranded at an airport, waiting over two hours for an Uber that never shows up? That was me when I first arrived in Grand Forks.

Hi everyone, my name is Benu Bansal. I’m an international student from India, currently pursuing my PhD at UND. I joined the university in 2020—the year of COVID—after completing my master’s in information systems from California State University, Fullerton. Coming from bustling California, I assumed I could simply order an Uber upon landing in Grand Forks, get to my apartment, and start my new life. Little did I know that on a Sunday evening, in the midst of a pandemic, no Ubers would be available.

I waited at the airport for over two hours, trying to hail a ride, but nothing came. Eventually, I had to rent a car to reach UND housing. As I drove through the quiet streets, I couldn’t help but think, “Where am I?” It was a stark contrast to California, where traffic is a constant companion.

But everything changed when I arrived on campus. I met the kindest and most helpful people, who welcomed me with open arms. It was then that I realized I just needed to ask for help. It’s not always easy to reach out, especially when you’re new and alone, but the people in Grand Forks are incredibly gracious and supportive.

Being an international student is very challenging, especially when you come directly from your home country and don’t know anyone. I was fortunate enough to have the option to rent a car, but many students don’t have that option when they first arrive in a new country. Starting a new life in a foreign country can be daunting and lonely, and if you’re anything like me, asking for help or making new friends feels like the hardest thing in the world. So, if you ever find yourself in a similar situation, remember that it’s okay to ask for help. Trust me, you’ll find kindness and warmth in the most unexpected places—just like I did.

I’ve made great friends and lasting connections, and I’ve grown so much since coming to Grand Forks. This small town has a lot to offer and can easily become an important part of your life. You can embrace this town, lifestyle, and culture without losing touch with your roots. Here are some tips from me on how you can do just that in this town, which has so much to give: by volunteering, networking, hosting, and much more.

I served as the Vice President and later as President of the Indian Student Organization at UND. During my time in these roles, I made countless connections and friendships while also testing and honing my leadership skills. Through the organization, I was able to connect with families in town and organize cultural events that allowed me to celebrate important festivals, even while being far from home. It was heartwarming to see people from diverse cultural backgrounds come together to celebrate traditions that have been a significant part of my life since childhood.

We organized and celebrated Diwali (the festival of lights), Holi (the festival of colors), and held small gatherings with delicious food that kept our spirits high even during the coldest days. With more than 250 student organizations at UND, events happening every year like African Night, India Night, Harlem Night, Feast of Nations and Diwali Night highlight how much international students can contribute to the community. My advice is to get involved—join an organization that interests you. And if you can’t find one that aligns with your interests, don’t hesitate to start your own! You can bring your roots and culture to life in Grand Forks and share it with the entire town.

The staff at the UND International Center is incredibly friendly and always ready to help. They have an open-door policy that allows students to drop in and discuss any concerns they might have. Whether its issues related to international status, applying for employment, or navigating paperwork, the staff should be your go-to resource.

The International Center also organizes various events tailored for international students. For instance, International Education Week is celebrated during the third week of November, where students can host events in collaboration with the Center’s director.

Additionally, there are numerous volunteering opportunities available, such as the Peer Bridge Mentor Program, which is a great way to connect with other international students. This program pairs new international students with current or local students to help them adjust to life in a new country. I’m excited to be a Peer Bridge Mentor this year, where I’ll be connecting with two incoming students from Nigeria and Ghana. It’s a wonderful opportunity for me to share what Grand Forks has to offer while helping them settle into their new environment.

The Gershman Graduate Center at UND is a dedicated space for graduate students to connect, collaborate, and access various resources. The center offers a welcoming environment with technology for hybrid workshops, indoor and outdoor lounges, and multiple meeting rooms that can be reserved.

They organize multiple events every year starting with the welcome picnic in August which is a great place to be if you are looking to make connections and engage with current and incoming students. The center also hosts events and participate in programs that promote academic and career growth. There are so many other events hosted by them such as coffee socials, graduate week every year in April, IRB office hours, thesis writing workshop, and game nights.

I believe networking is crucial, especially as an international student. It’s a key way to fit in, learn local professional etiquette, and make meaningful connections. Here, people are eager to hear your story and share theirs, so attending professional events can significantly enhance your resume and expand your network.

Networking can happen anywhere, even during a walk to class. It’s about listening, sharing your experiences, and staying open. UND hosts events like “Networking at Night,” which offers a relaxed setting to connect with professionals and peers. Additionally, there are local organizations like Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals (GGFYP). I attended a GGFYP meeting and found them incredibly welcoming; they even helped me organize an event for international students. GGFYP provides a platform for building relationships, developing leadership skills, and integrating into the community. It helps students integrate into the local culture and grow both personally and professionally. Volunteering with GGFYP not only enhances your resume but also opens doors to friendships and mentorships.

To start, I would recommend following the organizations you are interested in and start attending their events. This will help you to be part of them and eventually be a part of it. For animal lovers, organizations like Journey Home Animal Rescue offer volunteering opportunities, such as dog walking, spending time in the cat room, or fostering an animal. I recommend exploring the article about volunteer opportunities in Grand Forks—you’ll be amazed at how much the town has to offer, and you’ll gain valuable skills and lifelong connections in the process.

If you enjoy cooking like I do, invite some friends or colleagues over and treat them to a homemade meal. Who can resist a warm, homemade dish when living far from home? Locals also love trying new cuisines. If cooking isn’t your thing, hosting a potluck is a great alternative—everyone brings a dish, and you get to sample flavors from around the world. I’ve hosted friends countless times, and every gathering is filled with laughter, late-night conversations, gossip, and life updates. We always try to celebrate small achievements because they remind us that even away from home, you have friends who are there for you and that no achievement is small. We often start by saying how there is nothing to do here in Grand Forks but always end up with how this little town has given us so many opportunities. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to connect and keep those bonds strong.

Winters in Grand Forks can be pretty harsh but also very beautiful if you have the right winter gear. I came to Grand Forks in the month of June and I remember people scaring me about the winters. The very first winter I had was pretty good and I joked that this is the best and most winter I have had, and that you people have been scared for no reason. But when the second winter kicked in, I got to know that what everyone is talking about. So, my advice is that if you want to enjoy the winters in Grand Forks, invest in a good winter gear, including a nice long winter coat, gloves (a must), snow boots, and a warm beanie. If you are experiencing snow for the first time, on my god, you are going to fall in love with it.

It’s pretty but the wintertime can feel pretty lonely in Grand Forks as you will see less and less people outdoors, so this is the time when you need those connections and friends the most.

Check out a selection of winter jackets here!

So, I hope this article can help you get started and provide you with some tips. But everyone is different and so are their stories, so feel free to explore grand forks being an international student with your own perspective and I would love to hear your experience of this beautiful town one day.