In this collection of essays, 13 foreign exchange students write their compelling stories detailing their experiences studying at Dartmouth College. They not only convey their own joys and sorrows, but illuminate U.S. culture from a perspective not seen by many American students or citizens.

Contents Foreword, Marianne Hirsch * Preface * IntroductionOpening WorldsThe Presence of the Past, Stephen Kouborov (Bulgaria) * An Escape to Return, Aassia Haroon (Pakistan) * Drinking at the River of Knowledge, James (Nigeria) * Living by Leaving Behind, Devyani Sharma (India) * Chasing the Dog's Tail, Maria Popova (Bulgaria)Challenging ExpectationsChanging Stencils of the Past, Georgina Gemmill (South Africa) * In Search of My Voice, Devneesh (Bulgaria) * A Little Voice, Misun Kim (South Korea) * Sing the Unsung Songs, Yu Chen (China)Re-Viewing IdentityFrom the Death Line to Dartmouth, Almin Hodzic (Bosnia) * Finding Solace in the Familiarity, Lai Heng Foong * Battles Without/Battles Within, Frode Eilertsen (Norway) * Coming to Terms, Ian Sue Wing (Trinidad) * Afterword, Mervyn Morris