From coast to coast or state to state, many high school seniors have to decide whether to stay near home or venture to a whole new state for college. But what about deciding to go to school in a different country?
“Moving to a new country for education was a significant leap, filled with the anticipation of new opportunities and the challenges of adapting to a different culture. The initial days were overwhelming—navigating through unfamiliar surroundings, managing academic expectations, and dealing with homesickness,” says Inchara Raveendra ’24, an international student from Bangalore, India who is pursuing her Masters in Computer Science and Engineering.
International students, often knowing close to no one and diving head first into a completely new culture, encounter unique challenges that others may not fully grasp. Yet, they are not without support. The SCU international student program is crucial in helping these students adjust and integrate into American society.
Susan Popko PhD ’24, Associate Provost for International Programs, believes that the values of global learning are beneficial to students in not only developing new skills to communicate with others, but also learning to collaborate with a diverse range of people. “Global learning is an essential part of an education for responsible participation in democracy,” says Popko.
Raveendra emphasizes that the University is a place that embraces diverse perspectives and fosters multicultural relationships. “The community here is warm and welcoming, making it easier to form connections and find a sense of belonging. Cultural exchange programs and student organizations dedicated to international students created a supportive network that helped me overcome the initial challenges,” says Raveendra.
This spring, the international program surveyed its recent graduates to gauge its impact. The results highlight that most participants felt welcomed at SCU, over half landed on-campus jobs through SCU resources, and more than 80% work temporarily in the US after graduation.