International students broaden GC&SU’s horizons

It’s a recognized fact that ninety-four percent of the students here at Georgia College & State University are Georgia natives, and another three percent are from out-of-state , but what about the remaining three percent?

These students, who traveled thousands of miles to attend to college here, are known as the international students. Although they don’t make up the majority of the GC&SU student population, they are definitely not to be forgotten!

At GC&SU, there are approximately 150 international students from 50 different countries. With the many programs offered here catering to international students, such as the International Club, Study Abroad, and Casa Mondo, the students are more than welcomed into our community

The International Club, advised by Libby Davis, helps promote a better understanding among American and international students by helping international students adjust to life in the U.S. and helping them in engrossing a wider array of culture from other countries.

“The international club is great. The experience you get here is a double one; you’re with people from all over the world, which helps you make friends while also understanding college diversity,” said Slipchenko Sergiy, an international student originally from Ukraine. “College diversity can definitely be shown through the many activities that the International Club offers.”

Davis stressed that this club is available to everyone, not just international students.

Anshul Singhal, an international resident advisor from Bombay, India added, “Casa Mondo is a very essential program; it’s a program that makes international students feel like they’re not left alone in the country, and makes students feel like they have a family here. It is one of the best ways to get to know more people in both Terrell Hall and the whole GC&SU community .”

Many activities are offered in this club, such as International Week (in which members go to classes and speak about various countries), an international dinner (in which about fifty different dishes from different countries are served, and dancing, singing, and performing is abundant), with weekend getaway opportunities.

“We go anywhere from Atlanta to Florida,” said Davis.

Anshul Singhal, an International Club member likes the International Club trips.

“Definitely the international dinner [last year]; people from all over the world got together at one time, and nobody cared about differences; it was organized very well, and the food was great,” said Singhal, When asked what his most memorable experience was while being involved in the international program.

The International Club also has a coffee night at The Cellar on the second Wednesday of every month. Free coffee is distributed to all of the club members, and during this half-hour time period, the students can relax and get to know each other better.

“Students who are natives of this country really should make every effort to get to know international students,” said Mrs. Nancy Bacon, admissions counselor of the International Center. Getting involved in this club is one of the best ways to pursue her advice.”

Aside from the International Club, there is also a cross-cultural living experience offered here called Casa Mondo. Students are paired to room in Terrell Hall with other students from different cultural backgrounds, and according to Mrs. Bacon, “Casa Mondo is one more avenue to learn about other cultures. This program began three years ago, starting out with only sixteen students; however, the number of students has increased to forty-two!”

“I think it’s a great program; all of the students seem to enjoy it,” said
Davis.

Do Yeon Park, an international student originally from South Korea thinks that Casa Mondo is just a great place to make friends.

“Casa Mondo is cool because I get the chance to share my culture with other people, and I get a chance to make good friendships,” said Park.

“I didn’t know what to expect from Casa Mondo at first; when I got here though, the people here are very understanding, and helped me get adjusted,” said Sergiy. “Not only are the people here great, but also the whole international system is great.”

When the international students aren’t busy with the countless other activities offered they take pleasure in activities very similar to those of their American peers. According to Davis, [They enjoy] playing sports, going to the movies, listening to music, dancing, playing soccer, and also cricket. Many international students also volunteer their time to local schools, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Veteran’s Hospital.

“International students are quite varied and like a great variety of activities, just like American students,” said Dwight Call, the Assistant Vice President for International Education. “They’ve come a long way to study, and in many cases, have had quite a struggle getting here, so they’re always interested in learning more about [American] culture .”

Mrs. Bacon commented that international students don’t get our charities when they come here; instead, we benefit from them by learning about different cultures.

“Americans should always respond positively if an international student talks to you; take the initiative to talk to them. They might be a little shy at first, but once you get to know them, it’s a great experience. Getting to know these students helps broaden our horizons, and helps us realize how much assortment truly exists here.”

Although the international students only make up three percent of the population here at GC&SU, they are a key component to the diversity here on campus, and help to spice things up a bit!

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Sep 6 2002. Filed under Other. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry