When "New Campus" means "New Country"

The transition from high school to college can be difficult for many first-years

, a time fraught with uncertainty about where to find the cheapest books, figuring out where you are on campus without fumbling for a map, and making friends. But for the international students who arrived this past Wednesday the transition held an added dimension.

“It’s the first time I’ve been away from home,” said Mariya Koleva '14 from Bulgaria. “I don’t know what to expect. But I’m positive.”

This year’s 75 international students, including American students living abroad, is part of a growing trajectory the College has seen in recent years. Twenty five countries are represented, and while a large number of these students hail from China and India, they come from countries as diverse as Ghana, France, and Turkey. 

Many students plan to spend all four years here to get a degree, while other students are exchange students who will spend only a semester or a year at the College as part of an agreement between F&M and their university. Despite their varying aspirations, all seem to be confident they came to the right place. 

“It’s a small community here; everyone knows each other,” said Joy Li ’14 from China in response to why she chose to come to Lancaster. 

While the environment is an important factor, other students cite the education at a liberal arts college in the United States.

“I think it was a mature decision [to choose F&M],” Dilyana Mincheva ’14 from Bulgaria said. “I would like to study applied mathematics here, especially physics, and maybe chemistry. I’d like to go into operations research and computer science in the future.” 

At the same time, other students chose F&M because of the flexibility of not having to declare a major until their sophomore year. 

“I don’t know what I want to study yet,” said Alisha Narula ’14 from Thailand, “I’d just like to enjoy the whole experience of being in college.”

Daniel Wu ’11, one of the International Orientation Assistants, was of a similar viewpoint. 

“At F&M, you can basically discover and realize your full potential,” he said. “Take advantage of everything: the people, your teachers, your peers.”

His role during International Orientation is all-encompassing. 

“Basically, we’re here to lessen the culture shock in any way we can,” he added. 

Originally from Malaysia, Wu brings a positive viewpoint to the table about F&M. 

“It’s been one of the best experiences of my life,” he says. 

And what are the students nervous about? 

“English,” said Kun Huang ’14 immediately. 

Originally from China, she explained that while she has taken English for several years, it is one thing to be speaking English in the classroom and another to live in an English-speaking country. 

However, Jackie Haring, assistant dean of international students, told them not to worry. 

“Students can welcome their fellow classmates by recognizing that they do come from other cultures and will have varying preferences,” Haring said. 

But it’s also important to recognize that, whether you are from Hong Kong or around the corner, we are all freshmen in the same boat. 

“The international portion makes it all the more interesting,” Haring said. “Just enjoy the ride.”