Passports and plane tickets aren’t on many back to school checklists, but for some students attending IU South Bend these are must have items for starting class.
There are approximately 228 international students enrolled at IUSB, as of August 2009. Not only do these students experience the struggles that go along with college life, but they also encounter the trials and triumphs of living in a different country.
Since the 1990s the Office of International Student Services (OISS) at IUSB has been the gateway for international students’ admittance to the university.
Vivian Yamoah, originally from Ghana, Africa is the assistant director for the OISS. She has been involved with the program for three years, and during that time she has seen an increase in international students on campus.
Yamoah believes language and finances can be the biggest obstacle for students who come through her office. Sophmore Dave Andedo, from Kenya, experiences this firsthand. He feels that there isn’t enough financial assistance offered to international students.
Price always plays a role in the decision process when it comes to college, but most students don’t have to worry about converting their currency into U.S. dollars.
Fortunately for international students attending IUSB, “We are significantly cheaper than IUB [Bloomington] and IUPUI,” said Yamoah.
She also said the university has a higher rate of international students compared to other campuses in the region, but price isn’t the only issue these students encounter during their time in South Bend.
IUSB also offers classes for international students that assist them with the language barrier. “Some students have to take the English as a Second Language version of ENG W131 or ENG W130, but it is equivalent to the regular English classes,” said Yamoah. “The only special classes we have that some students take is Linguistics L100, a speaking course.”
“Students get introduced to IU South Bend early on. The Language Company students can use the facilities here on campus,” said Yamoah. “When they have admission questions, we [OISS] are just in the next building. We have a good relationship with the director.”
Dragan Tozan is a senior majoring in General Studies. His impression of the campus is that IUSB is, “one big happy family.” Tozan, originally from Croatia, speaks seven languages. “My father gave me a chance to come here for school and after some consideration I decided that it [IUSB] would be best for me,” said Tozan.
Some students such as Hang Nguyen, an international student from Vietnam majoring in business, find the professors and classes interesting.
“The method of teaching is not too difficult, and professors keep classes interesting,” said Nguyen.
Some students also enjoy the diversity of the campus and meeting different people.
“What I like most about IUSB is the variety of people I have come to meet here,” said Jhunixa Gutierrez, a sophomore originally from Venezuela.
One thing she misses about home is the weather.
“In Venezuela it’s always warm or hot,” said Gutierrez. “This everyday changing weather in which it’s cold today, warm tomorrow and somewhat ok the next day, I don’t have at home.”
Culture shock is another factor that affects international students and their college experience, but getting involved on campus and making friends eases that stress.
“I want first-year students to be active students and to get involved with campus activities, said “Jose´ Luis, an international student from Mexico.
Luis has been very active in student life here on campus, and has even received an academic leadership award for his involvement in various clubs.
He also participates in a new peer mentoring program that helps first generation students adapt faster to the college atmosphere.
This is where students solve questions about school in a group setting that is advised by Recruitment/Retention Counselor Jonathan Jones.
Socializing, networking, and staying involved with campus activities are key ingredients to making anybody’s college experience a little more enjoyable.
For the students that trek over more than a county line to attend IUSB.
It’s especially important that they develop the relationships they need to make their journey from home as comfortable and fulfilling as possible.
Be the first to comment on this article!