International Students vs Local Students

[teddybeckham]

Hi, Im a prospective international student birmingham hopeful, dont mean to sound ignorant, but i just wanna ask the birmingham meds what do u guys think of international students? Do you see international students mixing with local students like there's no barrier at all? Do they always hole up inside their rooms or within their international cliques? or they just dont wanna socialise, never show up in social events and things like that, i know there is service catered for international students or societies just for that.
Do you see international students hanging out with local students like best friends? or active in the medsoc social events? or international students are just snobbish and arrogant or shy?
or maybe, no offense intended, its just that you cant really hang out with the international students because they are "international"? or maybe just that there isnt any common topic of interest at all?
it's just that i dont wanna be treated differently (not necessarily badly) just because im an international student, as i wanna join in the fun with everyone and make this 5 years (or maybe just the first 2 preclinical years) the best time of my life, not forgetting the studies of course.

so what do you guys think? i just want your guys' opinions on that to curb my anxiety. any opinions would b very much appreciated.

[MBS]

TeddyBeckham,
No barrier at all. There are loads of International students.
Lots of international students here have local student best friends; defo active in MedSoc, at least 2/15 of MedSoc committee are international students, and at least 2/10 of SurgSoc committee are international.
Being arrogant/snobbish/shy is something that has no correlation with whether you are international or local, so if you're friendly, you'll have friends - whether you're int'l or local.

A large proportion of my international student friends are now sharing houses (in 2nd Year) with various other ppl: local, ..etc..
Plus remember, most students, altho British, are not actually from Birmingham, so all of you guys will face the same burdens; ie: trying to find your way aroudn the city...etc.. and Birmingham is a massive city; so even if you're British, but come from a quieter country side village, it will be a massive change and all of you guys will relate.

So don't worry. We are defo international student friendly, and with 350-400 of us in the year; you're bound to find all sorts of ppl to form friendships with.