International Student Profiles

Omosehin Moyebi
Country: Nigeria
It was a fantastic experience passing through West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU) as a graduate student – Master of Public Health (Environmental Health). The Center for International Programs' staff are likable and made my transition so smooth. The international office organizes events on and off campus with trips to the major cities in the USA including New York City and Washington D.C. WCU offers tremendous opportunities for international students to develop both personally and professionally. The faculty members are awesome; always ready and available to mentor students irrespective of your background, race or ethnicity. The laboratory experience I had with my faculty mentor greatly prepared me for the doctoral program I am currently pursuing. I am eternally indebted to WCU for saving my career and propelled me to greatness. Thank you WCU for your invaluable contributions to my career growth.

Lesmes Mora Jerez
Country: Venezuela
While I pursued the MA in Geography and MS in Geoscience at WCU, I found professors, advisors, and staff that always guided me to reach my academic and professional goals. In addition to the academic support, WCU provided me a nice and friendly environment. The Center for International Programs supports cultural immersion through different activities such as game nights and trips to emblematic cities in the U.S. This allowed me to explore the landscapes and experience the culture. It also gave me the opportunity to meet with great students from different places around the world. Overall, I had a great time in WCU!

JingJing Lin
Country: 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 Graduate College, 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.