WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Oct. 9, 2015 — West Liberty University welcomed seven new international students on campus this fall as part of the U.S. Department of State’s Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan (Global UGRAD-Pakistan) and the IREX Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program.
“Foreign exchange programs provide a unique opportunity for our community to meet students who otherwise would not be here. These students from other nations strengthen West Liberty University’s overall student experience,” said Director of International Enrollment Services Mihaela Szabo.
From left, Hamza Guizani (Tunisia), Firas Jerbi (Tunisia), Laraib Abdul Rehman, Syed Saleem and Syed Bilal Quasim (Pakistan) gather in the College Union. PHOTO BY NATALYA MUHAMETZYANOVA
Szabo has worked in the U.S. international student field professionally since 2006 and joined WLU in the fall of 2008. She works daily with the international students as an advisor. Her office is located on the second floor of the College Union.
“Participants in these programs are students who were selected from hundreds of applicants. They give a lot to campus both academically and culturally. Our international students change the dynamic of classroom discussions and bring new ideas which benefit everyone,” she explained.
Joining the WLU campus for fall 2015 are five students from Pakistan: Syed Saleem, Syed Bilal Qasim, Laraib Abdul Rehman, Qundeel Rabbani, Saddam Hussain and two students from Tunisia: Hamza Guizani and Firas Jerbi.
“I’m happy that I’ve got a chance to meet so many different people here. I learn a lot every day. West Lib faculty is very helpful. They provide me with a lot of useful information and are ready to help me whenever I need them. I am enjoying every bit of my time here,” said Rehman, who plans to take part and observe every American tradition she gets a chance to attend: like taking part in Homecoming celebrations, experiencing Halloween and Thanksgiving traditions and even finding out what Black Friday is all about.
“I really enjoy the variety of athletic activities on campus. Also as a future entrepreneur I appreciate all the advice I get from the Business Department. I know that this experience will help me in my future career as I gain stronger leadership and communication skills,” added Quasim who wants to become a digital entrepreneur.
“These students are ambassadors of their countries. They are very interested in sharing their cultures with the local community. It is an actual objective of the exchange program and students are eager to introduce their home countries to as many people as possible,” Szabo added.
Throughout the semester international exchange students will share aspects of their home countries through various events on campus such as a multicultural fair (from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Oct. 14 in the Student Union), an international tea party and International Education Month observed during the month of November.
“Our exchange students know that they have limited time on this campus and in the U.S., so they are actively involved in student life. But they also are interested in educating the community about different cultures,” Szabo explained.
WLU international students are enrolled in finance, business, computer information systems and public relations programs of study. They take part in clubs and all aspects of student life.
“International students live on campus with American roommates which further facilitates cultural exchange and helps new students build relationships within the community,” Szabo added.
Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program and UGRAD-Pakistan are programs of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the Department of State, administered by the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX). The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State fosters mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries to promote friendly, and peaceful relations, as mandated by the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961.
IREX is an international nonprofit organization providing thought leadership and innovative programs to promote positive lasting change globally. Founded in 1968, it has an annual portfolio of over $70 million and a staff of more than 400 professionals worldwide.
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