International students diversify SMU

By Tamika Robinson
Cardinal Staff

Eager students traveled near and far for what would be their first, and for some their last, academic year at Saint Mary’s University. They were greeted with many changes and additions to the SMU campus this year, including an increase in international admissions.
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This year, SMU opened its campus to 42 new international students, representing 20 different cultures and countries including Haiti, China, Rwanda, and Colombia. Presently, there are 73 international students on campus.

For some, this is their first time away from home, and the transition has been challenging but rewarding.
Yue Yang, a new student from Beijing, China, described her feelings before arriving in America as “exciting at first.”

“I imagined America being like the Hollywood movies I watched,” Yang said, “but after my arrival I was a little upset because the American people were different.” For others, the feelings were different. “I am happy to be here,” said Andres Mantilla, an international student from Bogota, Colombia.

The Center for International Students has made numerous efforts to increase the diversity on campus. “We had a student diversity task meeting about the services we provide for the international students versus American students, and we also travel to recruit domestic students,” said Maria (Lupita) Garza-Cienfuegos, director of international admission. “Once the international students arrive in Winona, we plan activities and trips so that they will become familiar with their new surroundings,” said Jay Skranka, dean of international student initiatives. Part of the mission for The Center for International Students is to encourage diversity not only in ethnicity, but also in gender, religion, and culture.

The staff at the Center for International Students feels that SMU has a lot to offer international students. They also feel that SMU is a fantastic, supportive community, which leads to a welcoming environment, said Tessy Dias, international student activities coordinator. “We provide an exceptional level of service,” said Dias.

The increase in the international student body provides an opportunity for American and international students to experience new cultural ideas and traditions, and even make new friends. The staff at the Center for International Students asks students to embrace this opportunity to enrich their understanding of the world around them.