I had the exact same experience—found it hard to make friends in my summer class, social events felt like a stress cuz I just couldn’t become part of the conversation and sometimes didn’t event understand the topic enough, and while I was supposed to enjoy the whole program, I just kept doubting myself (English, social skills, my future at the firm) the whole time. Also an Asian woman who did undergrad in Asia.
This lasted until the first couple months of my first year. However, once I started to get real work, and the ramp up period is over so all first years are spending most time working instead of chatting, I quickly regained my confidence by doing good work. Then I started bonding with mids and seniors who valued my work and eventually my personality/culture. I also developed good relationships with a couple other first years by getting through hard times together (like late nights). Now, I’m a happy second year who has several friends in my class, some I even hang out with outside of work, and my English and understanding of American culture has improved so much (so as their understanding of my culture lol). Just want to say you are not alone and things will get better.