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.

Part 1 Opening Worlds; Chapter 1 The Presence of the Past, Stephen Kobourov; Chapter 2 An Escape to Return, Aassia Haroon; Chapter 3 Drinking at the River of Knowledge, James; Chapter 4 Living by Leaving Behind, Devyani Sharma; Chapter 5 Chasing the Dog's Tail, Maria Popova; Part 2 Challenging Expectations; Chapter 6 Changing Stencils of the Past, Georgina Gemmill; Chapter 7 In Search of My Voice, Devneesh; Chapter 8 A Little Voice from My Heart, Misun Kim; Chapter 9 I Sing the Unsung Songs, Yu Chen; Part 3 Re-Viewing Identity; Chapter 10 From the Death Line to Dartmouth, Almin Hodzic; Chapter 11 Finding Solace in the Familiarity of Myself, Lai Heng Foong; Chapter 12 Battles Without/Battles Within, Frode Eilertsen; Chapter 13 Coming to Terms, Ian Sue Wing; Chapter 14 Afterword, Mervyn Morris;