2008 Woodie Awards
Changing courses in midstream
International students face frosty, unfamiliar environment during transfer
by Nicholas Larson
Issue date: 1/15/08
Section: Campus News
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Nepal native and accounting and finance major Yamuna Khatri optimistically assessed her new climate, saying, "It's cold, but I love the snow."
According to the MSU department of Institutional Research, 493 international students enrolled in the Fall 2007 semester. As of last Thursday, the International Center had 82 new students enrolled, with 17 arriving from Nepal (historically, the largest source of international students at MSU) and 13 from India, with others arriving from Korea, Saudi Arabia, the Ivory Coast and numerous other nations.
Traveling across oceans to study in a foreign location is daunting enough, but this spring's new international students must also contend with disrupted curriculum and already-formed groups of friends.
"It's like a new beginning for us," said Pradeep Kumar Punaganti, a graduate student in Community Health Services. "[The time of year] doesn't really matter, it's just a continuation for us."
Punaganti also expressed admiration for the regimented academic environment, which clearly dictates what is required of incoming students.
The transition is not without difficulties, however. Atu Mutashobya, a nursing student from Tanzania said, "I wish the classes were offered year-round," voicing frustration at having to wait until next year to take required classes.
The change in social environments also requires adjustment, while joint functions allow students of different nationalities to interact and bond.
"The orientation helps a lot, but you have to keep phone numbers and make an effort to stay in touch with people," Mutashobya said.
Manohar Gajjela, another graduate student in Community Health Services, also cited Friday night campus church services as a valuable time to socialize amidst busy academic and work schedules.
In spite of the cold and classroom calamity that is to come, the students maintain a bright outlook while expressing an appreciation for campus that might be lost on native students.
"I came from a small college, this place is huge for me," Mutashobya said. "I feel like I'm in New York. I get lost, but I'll get used to it."
Nicholas Larson is a Reporter staff writer
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