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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
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