In week 9 of our Real Media Course, we focused on planning and exploration of our topic. We ended up choosing a topic that talks about aliens that are portrayed as international students. Moving from our homeland to a new country with different cultures, people, and living situations, and mainly being on our own, is a significant change. It somewhat feels like an “alien” where everything is different. With the differences in culture and situation of each group member, we think choosing that topic will be an interesting talk and easy to relate to other International students. 

Throughout the planning and exploring of the ideas, there are challenges that occur. One of them is having to engage in the transmedia story. One of the questions that was placed is 

“How international student’s identity and culture change or disconnect to adapt to the culture of their new country.”

The changes and adaptation of cultures and identities shape a whole new idea of themselves. Confusion about the changes shifted a lot of change to international students, leading to disconnection and identity crisis. Gomes and Tan’s research article stated, “Locating themselves in transnational and transcultural fields has resulted in the emergence of their multiple and changing identities (Gomes & Tan, 2015).” Many international students feel some similarities in the adaptation process, even though some people face it in different ways. Through our idea, we hope to bring awareness and realisation about the true story of being an international student. 

Tran, LT & Gomes, C 2016, International Student Connectedness and Identity : Transnational Perspectives, Springer Singapore Pte. Limited, Singapore, SINGAPORE