By VICTORIA SCHNAUFER, Student Reporter
Northwestern plays host to students from across the world.
International students come to America to better their education. They leave their families and homes to create a new one in America.
International student advisor, Rebecca Cook said that in most cases students hear about Northwestern from “word of mouth.” Students seek to leave their country and further their education.
“Some of our students have told me that they found Northwestern online but the majority of the time it is because other people have come here and gone back to their home country and told their friends and family about Northwestern,” Cook said.
Students like Ana Gabriela Parra, junior health and sports science major from Barinas, Venezuela, have unique stories about how she found Northwestern.
“My dad is a Northwestern Alumni, l decided to follow in his footsteps,” Parra said, “I also choose to stay here because I am more than just a number, I am a person, and I appreciate that.”
“We are facing a problem of students getting their visa to come to Northwestern to college then transferring to different universities after their first semester,” Cook said.
According to educationusa.state.gov it is easier to receive a visa to go to a four year university than getting a community college visa.
A lot of international students that transfer out after their first semester, transfer to community colleges.
“Northwestern has a lack of on campus jobs and scholarships to give to international students, most international students can legally only work at the university,” Cook said, “We are trying to change the retention rate by adding more activities on campus for International students so they feel more welcomed. We are trying to add more on campus job opportunities and other financial reliefs for them as well.”
Northwestern does have International students that stay throughout their college career.
Biology senior, Sadik Malik, is from Accra Ghana and has been a ranger for three years.
“I chose Northwestern because I wanted to experience the small town life. I have stayed here because of the friendly community based atmosphere that has been created by the staff and students,” Malik said.
Northwestern has managed to be home to students across the world and is currently working on improving situations for all students. Faculty, staff and students alike are keeping campus friendly and open to new faces and cultures.
“There are A LOT of things I love about Northwestern,” Parra said, “One of my favorite things is how easy it is to be involved on campus. There is not a valid reason for anyone to not be active in at least one campus club or organization.”