JingJing Lin

Hometown: China 
Program: Masters in Applied Statistics

Why did you decide to study in the USA? 
The United States is well known for its higher education qualities and opportunities. The universities in the USA have some of the world best education system, and outstanding of programs in many fields. With the strong support services for international students, I believe there are variety of opportunities will come to me.

Why did you select WCU? 
West Chester University has an excellent reputation in the Master program in Applied Statistic. There are many companies located around WCU, particularly pharmaceutical industries. I can find an internship or job much easier.

What do you like best about WCU? 
The Center for International Programs in the best place I like at WCU! As an international student, I have faced so many problems related with my study and visa. People who work in the Center for International Programs provide excellent support in addressing all of the troubles I face.

What challenges have you faced? 
The first challenge that I have faced was how to get familiar with using all resources in WCU. Students in WCU have access to plenty of resources in supporting learning skills, technology, financial, and job opportunities, but I just did not know how. It took me a while to get familiar to the process.

What extracurricular activities or work experience have you had at WCU? 
I enjoyed international party, film night, and alumni night. I made lots of friends at such events. Also, I had a chance to promote WCU to Chinese student with Professor Linda Zhu during the international educational week in Chengdu, China.

Have you utilized any offices or services on campus and if so, how have they helped you? 
Center for International Programs is one place that I have visited the most. Again, thanks to all members in the center. Especially, Dr. Peter Loedel the director and Mr. Charity Alinda the International Programs Coordinator. Without their help, I could have never successfully graduated.

What advice would you give an incoming international student? 
Be well prepared before coming to the USA. Make sure contact with your advisor if you have any questions about your program. Be positive to speak and ask! English is the most basic skill you should learn if you would like to study and live in the USA. Don be hesitant to ask for help from CIP. They will keep you SAFE!

Daniel Githang'a

Country: Kenya
Program: Master's in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Why did you decide to study in the USA?
Firstly, the program I wanted to venture into wasn't available in my home country. More importantly though, the standard of education offered in the US, particularly with reference to graduate degree programs is unparalleled in quality - especially in the field of Psychology.

Why did you select WCU?
WCU offers an excellent terminal Master's program that included an internship as a course requirement, with the university assisting students to find placement. WCU's close proximity to Philadelphia made the search for internships significantly easier. It also helps that my aunt attended WCU and had nothing but praise for the place!

What do you like best about WCU?
I like the close proximity to Philly and NY, as well as the fact that it is kind of a university town, so lots of young people around and services catered towards them.

What challenges have you faced?
The cold! Coming from a country where temperatures range from 68-82°F all year definitely didn't put me at an advantage when winter came around. That, and missing my kibronjez (friends) and family back home.

What extracurricular activities or work experience have you had at WCU?
I currently work in the Division of Student Affairs as a graduate assistant. I have also been a research assistant in the Psychology Department, and also interned at a consulting company in Philadelphia.

Have you utilized any offices or services on campus and if so, how have they helped you?
The Center for International Programs has been hands down one of the most important resources to me. From getting information internships as an international student, to meeting fellow students during events, and even finding opportunities to speak to fellow students about my country, CIP has been instrumental in keeping me engaged and motivated. The office of Graduate Studies, and by extension the Graduate Student Association have also been very helpful; the former in helping me find an assistantship, and the latter in reimbursements for conferences I attended as a WCU student.

What advice would you give an incoming international student?
Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, you never know where it may lead you; networking is also important, a brief conversation could land you an amazing opportunity – trust me; and remember to have fun and explore the different destinations and cultures that America has to offer!

Anders Olvin

• Country: Norway
• Major: Economics and Finance Major
• Graduated May 2015

Why did you decide to study in the USA?
As a child I attended elementary school in Louisiana because my father worked in New Orleans for a couple of years. Due to my positive experiences I wanted to return to the U.S and pursue an undergraduate degree.

Why did you select WCU?
I attended the American College of Norway before transferring to the U.S, where WCU was a partner school. After weighing my options I decided that WCU had the qualifications that would ensure my personal and academic progress, which it definitely has!

What do you like best about WCU?
I really enjoy playing soccer at the student recreational center with my friends; the soccer crowd at WCU has really been expanding during my 3 years at WCU!

What challenges have you faced?
I have not yet experienced any major challenges my 3 years here at WCU. That being said, the faculty and staff at WCU have been very helpful throughout my time here.

What extracurricular activities or work experience have you had at WCU?
Alongside playing club soccer here at WCU, I have been involved with the Norwegian American Chamber of Commerce in Philadelphia. NAACP frequently hosts networking events and I would urge any student at WCU to get involved.

Have you utilized any offices or services on campus and if so, how have they helped you?
The Center for International Programs is my “go to office” here at WCU. They have been very helpful throughout my college career by offering workshops and social events, and I always walk out of their office with a big smile on my face. Also, the registrar’s office and the library have been very helpful in regards to the administrative and academic aspect of being an international student here at WCU.

What advice would you give an incoming international student?
Apart from the standard advice of getting involved in a club or organization I would recommend savoring your time at WCU because time flies by fast when you`re having a good time. Also, try the food trucks outside of Anderson Hall, they offer a variety of delicious food!

Jahmai Fisher

• Country: Bahamas
• WCU 2015 Graduate - Biology major, Spanish minor
• Current Student in MS Higher Education Counseling-Student Affairs

Why did you decide to study in the USA?
Although there is a college where I'm from, depending on what it is that you wish to study, options are limited. If financially able to do so, younger Bahamians study abroad to enhance their opportunities and/or skill set in their area of concentration.

Why did you select WCU?
Most Bahamians travel to Florida (because it’s close to home) or Canada (because it’s cheaper). I wanted to come some place where Bahamians don't typically study, I wanted to place myself out of my comfort zone. Had I went to a school with a large Bahamian student population, I wouldn't have branched out and met as many new people as I did here at West Chester.

What do you like best about WCU?
The thing I like most about WCU is the fact that there are so many opportunities afforded to West Chester students. There is always something to do or learn more about.

What challenges have you faced?
Being away from the comfort of family and friends is one thing, of course. However, the weather is something that I'm still coping with. I don't think anyone appreciates the arrival of warm weather here more than I do.

What extracurricular activities or work experience have you had at WCU?
Over the past four years, I have been involved with University Ambassadors, Multicultural Recruitment, CALYPSO, Sister's United, Black Student Union, Phi Sigma Pi. I've also worked for the Office of Residence Life & Housing as a Resident Assistant for 3 years.

Have you utilized any offices or services on campus and if so, how have they helped you?
The International Student Office has been a great help in terms of assisting me.

What advice would you give an incoming international student?
Stick with it! I can't tell you how many times I questioned transferring to somewhere closer to home. Once I made up my mind that I was going to make the best of my experience here at West Chester, everything started falling into place. Don't be afraid to branch out!

Esha Emidi

• Country: India
• Major: Masters in Computer Science

Why did you decide to study in the USA?
Academic experience from a US university is highly valued around the world. The American education system has been deemed the best amongst all others and I believe their programs are well structured and suitable for the field I would like to step in.

Why did you select WCU?
The courses that are offered at this university perfectly match my area of interest. Also I have heard some great reviews about Computer Science department from the Alumni of the university.

What do you like best about WCU?
The wide exposure is the best I liked about WCU! Being a small town girl from India, WCU has made me strong and confident. The university has given me many memorable “firsts”. From my first job to being independent. It has been a home away from home.

What challenges have you faced?
I was never away from home in India. So being away from family has been the biggest challenge to me. Also it took a little while to get used to the teaching system.

What extracurricular activities or work experience have you had at WCU?
Events like Diwali festival, Christmas Party, Game nights, Movie night, Field trip to DC were a lot of fun! I had a chance to meet people from different countries and learn about different cultures which is amazing. I worked as a PC consultant in Residential Networks. I gained a lot of practical knowledge from there, learned American work ethics, made great friends.

Have you utilized any offices or services on campus and if so, how have they helped you?
Centre of International Programs is the office I had interacted the most with right from the beginning. The members of the office are very generous, concerned and very responsive. They have helped me with all the paper work required, conducted events and workshops for us. They have always been very helpful.

What advice would you give an incoming international student?
Make use of all the amazing opportunities, facilities you are given by the University. America is a beautiful place. So never leave an opportunity to travel. When in doubt about any decision you’re making, contact the CIP. They will be your best guidance throughout.