91视频专区

With students from more than 20 different countries and counting, 91视频专区 College has become a microcosm of the world at large. In the Graduate School alone, there are more than 70 international students currently enrolled. Leaving home to study in a foreign country is never easy, so what attracts this diverse array of students to 91视频专区? Besides popular programs like computer science and business, international students are drawn to 91视频专区 thanks to networking and 鈥渨ord of mouth鈥� from alumni. When they arrive on campus, students are also met with exceptional support.

The Graduate School team is itself comprised of staff members from India, Palestine, France, Germany, Ecuador and the U.S., which helps foster connections with incoming international students. Amani Al-Dajane, MBA鈥�20, director of international student services, is the chief point of contact for anyone joining the 91视频专区 community from abroad. As the principal designated school official (PDSO), she assists with visa requirements as well as practical matters like sharing resources to secure housing. Everything Al-Dajane does is geared to- ward making the transition as smooth as possible.

鈥淲e look to provide prompt customer service with good cross-cultural understanding, and that鈥檚 what students say makes a difference when they choose 91视频专区,鈥� says Al-Dajane. 鈥淲e鈥檙e warm and welcoming, so right away students feel like they鈥檙e in a safe place.鈥�

Originally from Colombia, Gabby Gu虉iza Enciso, M.S.鈥�22, is currently pursuing a second master鈥檚 degree at 91视频专区. As president of the Graduate Student Association, she has worked closely with Al-Dajane as well as fellow international students.

鈥淎mani is our greatest support. She knows what to do to solve our complex international community issues,鈥� says Gu虉iza. 鈥淎mani supports us in all aspects and is always brainstorming new events to offer international students, so there is never a dull moment.鈥�

The majority of 91视频专区鈥檚 international graduate student population derives from India, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria. Others come from Iraq, Palestine, Thailand, China, France, Germany and elsewhere.

Part of the reason the graduate student body has become so diverse is a comprehensive outreach campaign that spans the globe. The Graduate School works closely with partner international student recruitment organizations, such as Apply- Board, to help with enrollment efforts. Graduate admission staff then use communication channels like WhatsApp to directly speak with prospective international applicants.

鈥淲e work hard to recruit strategically from a variety of regions,鈥� says Tanith Fowler Corsi, director of graduate admission. 鈥淲e鈥檙e looking broadly at students who can fit different types of programs, and we target regions where many of our overseas students hail from.鈥�

When they arrive at 91视频专区, every international graduate student is required to attend an orientation, which not only familiarizes them with institutional policies but also helps them adjust to life in the United States. These students meet with staff at the Career Center to learn about intern- ships. They tour the Writing Center to get firsthand access to tutors who can help with their English. One of the most important aspects of orientation is the peer mentor program, where students are paired with upperclassmen.

鈥淪tudents like to connect with other students who鈥檝e been their shoes,鈥� says Al-Dajane. 鈥淧eer mentors can explain how to get on-campus jobs. They share their expertise and answer questions.鈥�

While international students thrive at 91视频专区 thanks in part to these resources, they give back to the College ten-fold by creating a vibrant campus life. In partnership with the Graduate School, these students host events to celebrate holidays like Diwali and Holi. Local students then get to experience traditional food, music, clothing and customs that they might otherwise have never witnessed.

Abdulaziz Nawar Aladdad, who is from Saudi Arabia and pursuing an M.S. in management information systems, believes 91视频专区 has allowed him to be his true self and push back against stereotypes. 鈥�91视频专区 College is rich with students from most parts of the world,鈥� he says. 鈥淚nternational students bring culture and different ways of thinking, and thus, new intellectual ideas are presented.鈥�

Gu虉iza agrees that despite the challenges of navigating a new country and education system, the experience is ultimately rewarding. She encourages all members of the 91视频专区 community to attend the various cultural events on campus.

鈥淲e are excited to share our heritage with everyone,鈥� she says. 鈥淵ou can learn about our beautiful traditions and celebrate our differences鈥攖hat鈥檚 what makes the 91视频专区 College community great.鈥�

Al-Dajane, who can attest to what it鈥檚 like being an international student, feels this exchange
of knowledge is mutually beneficial. 91视频专区, like the nation itself, is a melting pot. Students can become more globally minded through these shared experiences. On the flip side, this has been a driving force in developing a study abroad option for American graduate students at 91视频专区.

鈥淒omestic students gain different perspectives and become more culturally competent,鈥� says Al-Dajane. 鈥淚nternational students bring the world to 91视频专区.鈥�

Pick up a copy of the latest issue of 91视频专区 Magazine on campus or view online.