Eastern Michigan University is host to 1,000 international students from 85 different countries.
“We don’t have to travel far to learn about the world. Our students can meet people from other countries, explore new places and ideas and influence change in our campus community,” said Esther Gunel, Director of the Office of International Students.
International students travel alone to a new country to study at EMU, and they are welcomed by a campus that Kulanandini Mahanta, President of the International Student Association, calls “small and cozy,” with classes that are “well-attentive.”
According to Mahanta, international students choose to study at EMU for many different reasons, such as “the diverse and small campus, the affiliation of overseas universities, the College of Business and referrals from
previous university students who studied at EMU.”
The large community of international students at EMU helps incoming students feel comfortable so far from home.
“Many Indian students choose EMU because they already have a community of students who the freshmen can relate to,” said Sadeepa Munasinghe, an international student from Sri-Lanka.
International students at EMU find campus life “friendly and supportive,” said Gunel.
The EMU campus is very diverse and accepting of all the different cultures from around world.
“It’s a diverse university; It’s hard to find a class with no international students,” said Munasinghe. “Also, it encourages international cultural events and awareness throughout the campus community.”
The intermingling of a multitude of cultures allows EMU students to gain knowledge about different ideals and
views held by different peoples, and the vast perspective allows for a broader understanding of the world in general. The presence of international students on campus benefits the campus community as a whole by allowing different cultures to learn from one another.
“International students definitely immerse in the American culture. Coming to a different country is a big step in itself, so getting involved and understanding different cultures is very important for everyone,” said Mahanta.
International students on campus have many ways to congregate and socialize with other students who come from the same regions.
“People like to be in groups, and more when it comes to individuals from the same region,” said Mahanta. “They are more comfortable this way. There are many different international organizations, such as Indian Student Association, Korean Student Association, Chinese Student Association, Arab Student Association and many more.
The International Student Association is an organization which tries to bring together and unify the international community and share knowledge with the EMU campus.”
The Office of International Students is a great resource EMU offers to international students.
“Our job in the office is to help them to be part of the community, and to achieve their academic and career goals,” said Gunel.
Students can use this resource to get information about the different groups available to international students, as well as upcoming events and programs, and their schoolwork.
“The Office of International Students initiates different activities to get involved with other students, such as Conversational Partner, which helps international students in sharing diverse culture and language benefits,” said Mahanta.
“Also, the International Student Association tailgates at the Homecoming, which makes students learn about the Football culture at the university, and the US,” continued Mahanta. “Colors in Harmony is another annual event to cherish. It’s to socialize and network with other students through a talent showcase.
“Other international organizations also do many collaboration activities to bring the students together for combined education. OIS encourages other domestic students to be group leaders for the international orientation, which, again, helps in bringing the students together.”
“There are plans for more awareness of international students in and around campus,” said Mahanta.
The International Student Association is organizing an annual talent and fashion show called Colors in Harmony. The event will take place from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. March 17th in the Student Center Auditorium.
