On Tuesday, Jan. 29, the Office of International Affairs hosted a “Wel- come Reception” for new internation- al students in the Lancaster gallery. The event was held in order to give Longwood students the opportunity to meet and greet new international students and make them feel more at home. To create a homier atmosphere, there were a multitude of different snacks and refreshments set up for all the students, including fruit, water, coffee and numerous desserts.
The gallery was engulfed with a plethora of friendly faces from different countries. International students came from all over the globe, including students from China, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the Baha- mas, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, France and Malaysia.
It was also a time for Longwood students to understand and get a feel of what it is like to travel to another country. There were several informative directors present at the meet and greet to provide valuable assistance to both the new international and native Longwood students. Some of the fac- ulty present included Study Abroad Coordinator Dr. Melanie Marks, Administrative and Office Specialist La- keeia Greene and International Student Advisor Brian Bolton.
Several international students who traveled a thousand miles or more from their homeland to Longwood talked about adjustments, differences between Longwood and their home land and how Longwood has been treating them.
Laura, a sophomore from Birmingham, England, stated, “The classes in England are very easy to drift off to, but the classes here are very interesting and everyone here is very nice.” Sam, a sophomore from Derby, England, said, “Everyone is very friendly and is a great compass as well. The campus is gorgeous.”
Laura, astounded by the walk to Walmart, stated, “I’m from Birmingham, it’s different for us, because Sam and I walked to Walmart the other day and it took us 45 minutes to get there, when it only takes me 45 minutes to walk from one end to Birmingham to the other.”
Another International student, Julia, who is from Southern China, discussed her feelings about Longwood. “I think everyone is very warm- hearted and my roommates are very helpful. Also, I am an accounting major and picked Longwood because it had a similar program from my university back in China. I am very glad I chose Longwood,” she stated.
Some of the Longwood students who attended this event were part of the International Buddy Organization, looking to study abroad themselves or just excited to meet new people from other countries.
Longwood freshman Kelly Russo stated, “I really liked meeting people from other countries and personally I don’t want to study abroad, but I think it is very neat for those who do, especially those who travel thousands of miles to come to Farmville.”
According to the Longwood University Study Abroad website, studing abroad provides many opportunities for students that can range from learning a new language, learning about a different culture or meeting a multitude of diverse people. Moreover, there is an endless list of reasons to study abroad because of how it will strengthen your career opportunities. For additional infor- mation about studying abroad, visit the Office of International Affairs in Stevens Hall, room 111.
