OUR VIEW: Recognizing 100th year of international program

    Every continent is represented in USU’s student body, though it often doesn’t seem that way, because nine of 10 people we pass in the halls have white skin and American dialects. USU enrolls Mongolian, South African, Australian and Russian students, just to name a few. And this year, USU celebrated 100 years of international ties – a milestone for our diversity and national connections.

    Though a great majority of USU students recognize the presence of international students on campus, we aren’t sure everyone really appreciates what these students add to our overall academic environment. While international students can surely learn from Utah culture, we have just as much to learn from their backgrounds. For instance, if you have ever eaten on campus in the Marketplace or the Junction, you may have seen groups of students from the Dominican Republic and Armenia sitting together. We’ve noticed they take time to enjoy one another’s company and their meals, as many others rush in and rush out, only sitting down long enough to pound a bowl of cereal.

    There is no doubt that attending USU has required international students to undergo major and minor adjustments. Still, many of them gather the courage to involve themselves in councils and activities in their various colleges and organizations. Also, a large amount of these students are contributors to undergraduate and graduate research, helping make significant strides in industry-advancing projects.

    Luckily, USU has an International Student Council that feels passionately about helping these students feel welcomed and included in daily Aggie life. International students often seek help from the International Student Office when they are struggling in any capacity. While interacting with members of the ISC, we understand one of their specific goals is to connect international students with non-international students and prompt both groups to find common ground. However, this is rarely an easy task. This is only possible when both groups make a conscious effort to include the other.

    It is our challenge to you to initiate a conversation with a person in your class or living arrangement that comes from a different culture than your own. Ask questions. Let them know that you notice them and are interested in learning more about them. What better way celebrate 100 years of an internationally woven university that will only increase its international presence in years to come.