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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 1, 1999)
he Battalion Aggielife Page 3 • Wednesday, September 1, 1999 rt to coi snd sixty of. iis ntyresiaer-f' selection vM zos Counti K 1 V. the first |j| ■56 murder-l =11 Brewer, who were Jy -vere exaii! Basons. ' Brican jure* =sed after m =rs called e:' J sdedtoda-. is accuse; y, -death of Je-. . nors pr owmer Oggie Melt in Pot International Students learn to adjust to a new life through University programs BY BRIAN FLEMING The Battalion P erhaps Dallas should not seem like such a long drive from Texas A&M. After all, of the 43,000 students now at A&M, approximately 3000 come from further abroad. • From nearly all parts of the world, international stu dents come to Aggieland not only having to adjust to everyday college life. International students must also live in a foreign culture with a foreign language. Throughout the years, university faculty, pro grams and organizations have all taken steps to help international students adjust to the daily grind at A&M. Gustavo deSousa, the President of the Interna tional Student Association (ISA) and an internation al student from Brazil, said ISA represents interna tional students on campus by not only by helping them adjust academically and socially but also by promoting cultural awareness. “By doing both of these, students adjust much better, and after all, cultural awareness is the key to global success,” deSousa said. DeSousa said students at A&M enjoy a variety of programs designed to help them adjust to different cultures. “We plan a number of events here in cluding Planet Northgate, 1-Week (International Week) and talent shows, which all allow students to represent their culture,” deSousa said. Another successful event is I-Camp, originating from the concept of Fish Camp. “Six years ago this program was started to help in troduce international students to the traditions of A&M,” deSousa .said. Majed Azouqah, president of the Arab Student As sociation and a senior electrical engineering major, said I-Camp is a beneficial experience for interna tional students. “For me, I know I-Camp was an opening door for the many traditions here at A&M,” Azouqah said. For Azouqah, as well as others, getting to know the Aggie lifestyle helps with the transition of stu dents from abroad. “I know that for myself, I was curious more than anything,” Azouqah said. “I came to really like many of the traditions. Plus, it really helped me to feel more at home.” -,p DeSousa said more than anything, I-Camp helps people from different cultures get to know each otlv er before classes start. The International Programs Office helps many students ease the transition from their homes to the United States. “They run many programs, such as the Interna-; tional Hotel, which offers temporary housing, trans portation to many area malls and banks, as well as help with the adjustment process,” deSousa said. Suzanne Droleskey, executive director of interna;! tional programs, said the International Programs Of fice works hard to help students with official matters including setting up bank accounts, transportation and housing. Droleskey said the office also offers seminars on such issues as health insurance, taxation, immigra tion and cultural background for international stu dents who may be unaware of complications that may occur during their new life in America. h DeSousa said one thing he has always found fs that involvement usually helps students adjust. •'' “Being involved helps students to get to know each other and gives them a chance to feel a part of the University,” deSousa said. Getting involved is the key to success for many in ternational students. Vernon Shih, president of the Chinese Studerit Association and a junior biomedical science major, said his adjustment to college life at A&M wa1$ made easier through his involvement in multicul tural programs. “Organizations and activities helped me to get to know new friends and meet new people from differ ent countries,” Shih said. “I think overall, being active helps all students ad just to a new environment.” see International on Page 4- 1 00am ll.COI Cytodine Technologies ^0*7.99 Xenadrine 120 Caps,MSRP $39.’ 5 YOU SAVE 30% Optimum Nutrition ^0.99 Vitamin C boo mg, 100 Caps, MSRP $4." YOU SAVE 40% TwinLab £ flO PR Ironman Bars 9>99 All Flavors, MSRP $1. 69 YOU SAVE 41% Nature's Way GinkGold 50 Tabs 9 ItJ 60 mg, MSRP $20." YOU SAVE 24% Optimum Nutrition £ A.99 Daily One Complete 99 60 Caps, MSRP $14." YOU SAVE 33% NOW Extra Strength^^^0,99 Super CitrimaxO "O 90 Caps, MSRP $17." YOU SAVE 22% “Spectacular” -Los Angeles Times Honda and Telmex proudly sponsor The Original and Only! 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