“If you are here, you have already achieved something. You have already done something important. You have already made a choice that maybe you are not completely aware of it, but will impact the rest of your lives.” Today, Marcello Fantoni, vice president of global education, spoke to students at an orientation event welcoming new international students to 91ֿ.
Today’s International Student Orientation, hosted by 91ֿ's Office of Global Education, included breakfast and a full morning of activities. After listening to the speakers, students engaged in group activities designed for community building and to help students get to know each other. Afterward, the students had lunch at Eastway Center and explored a resource fair that introduced them to all that is available to them on campus.
The nearly 200 new international students in attendance included students from India, Brazil, China, Lebanon, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Italy, Russia, Afghanistan, Yemen, Morocco, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.
‘Be prepared for more’
In his remarks, Fantoni recalled his own experiences as a person coming to the United States from his home country of Italy 10 years ago. He thanked the students for choosing 91ֿ and assured them that they had made a good choice because of 91ֿ’s “great tradition in hosting international people.”
He also offered important advice to the students that they should attend their classes, get good grades and graduate successfully, but to be careful to not miss a major part of their experience here at 91ֿ. “Because a lot of what you learn is outside of the classroom, a lot of what will help you lead more fulfilling lives after your degree,” Fantoni said. "Be prepared for more and allow more to happen to you.”
'Albert Einstein used to say that the real learning starts when the education is over.'
Good information and good advice
Other speakers at the orientation included Jef Davis, associate director international and scholar services, Manfred van Dulmen, senior associate provost and dean of graduate studies, and Moema Furtado, international partnerships coordinator.
In his remarks, van Dulmen encouraged the students to explore and celebrate the differences between their cultures and the culture in the United States. “I encourage you to be open to new experiences, expect the unexpected and take time to understand different cultures,” said van Dulmen. He recalled his experience, 27 years ago as an international student from the Netherlands in trying to understand the differences between the extremely avid “rowdy fans, yelling and screaming,” at soccer stadiums and the comparatively sedate fans at a major league baseball game he attended.
‘Our differences make us stronger.’
He encouraged students to examine their passions and then examine how Americans pursue those same kinds of passions. “It is the lens which will help you understand the different culture, in this instance, the U.S. culture. It also will help many Americans understand your culture,” van Dulmen said. “Finding the shared lens. It will also allow you to reflect in your own values and the belief our differences make us stronger. And what I want you to keep in mind, though, that in the end, we are all Golden Flashes, and we represent our university.”
‘Embrace what is different’
Furtado also shared her experiences in coming to study in the United States from her home in Brazil. She offered the advice that students should give themselves time to feel comfortable with their new surroundings, the things that look different to you, the food, and the idea of making new friends. “I advise you not to let pass any opportunity to make new friends,” Furtado said. “Don’t let yourself be comfortable and only get involved with people from your own country. Yes, it’s important to have a network of friends from your country, but this is a unique opportunity to know others, to know other cultures.” She also encouraged students to get involved with student organizations, of which there are more than 350 on campus.
‘Remember, this is a chance of your lifetime. You will not regret it.’
Furtado said, “Like some of my fellow speakers already said, study hard, but at the same time, make new friends, try new food. Try the outdoors, even in the cold days, and try to embrace what is different to you.”
