Ohio University welcomed nearly 250 new international students to its campus for the start of the fall semester.
The students, who call 56 different countries home, attended orientation sessions with a wide range of events designed to help the students acclimate quickly.
In addition, the university has been taking steps to make it easier for international students to apply and enroll at OHIO, especially in instances where they may need to transfer due to unexpected circumstances.
The enrollment numbers for the 2018-2019 academic year aren’t finalized yet, but last year OHIO had more than 1,300 international students from 109 countries on its global campus.
During the orientation sessions for the new international students at OHIO, the students shared some information about their time at OHIO so far and also heard from university leaders.
“I just love how green it is here,” one student said during an orientation session after the students were asked what they liked best about being in Athens and at OHIO so far. Others also said how much they liked the scenic campus, while a few others commented on everything from going to Wal-Mart to “buying cheap spaghetti.”
President M. Duane Nellis spoke at the orientation presentation for international undergraduate students and told them that the university is proud to have them as part of the Bobcat family.
“I want you to know that Ohio University is a very welcoming community where our differences are celebrated,” Nellis said. “Interactions between people from different nations and different cultures greatly enrich the college experience for all of our students.”
The opportunity to study and work abroad is very important, and the President told the students that his own global experiences have enriched and transformed his life. He also encouraged the students to become involved in different activities at OHIO and to say hello to him when they see him on campus.
“I am energized every day by the opportunity to interact with students like you,” Nellis said.
Executive Vice President and Provost Chaden Djalali spoke at the international graduate student orientation session and welcomed them to their new home at OHIO.
“My motto is one planet, one people, one solution; we need everyone on board,” Djalali said. He also encouraged the audience members to get to know other students from around the world and to reach out to faculty and staff when they are facing obstacles.
“We are all dedicated to your success,” Djalali said. “There are a lot of challenges ahead of you, but you can do it. Challenges are opportunities for growth.”
Vice Provost for Global Affairs and International Studies Lorna Jean Edmonds spoke at both orientation sessions and told the students that they are joining a welcoming community of students, faculty, staff and alumni.
“There is a sense of community at Ohio University that is second to none,” Edmonds said. The students are charting their own legacy now at OHIO, and Edmonds encouraged them to spend time getting to know their fellow students, learning about the Athens community and getting involved in university activities.
The students also heard from speakers from International Student and Faculty Services, International Student Union, Student Senate, Graduate Student Senate and other organizations during their orientation sessions. In addition, the students were encouraged to take part in campus tours, trips to local grocery stores, visits to coffee shops, a bowling night and other events designed to help them meet other students and feel comfortable beginning their studies at OHIO.
