International Voices panel brings global perspectives to future Wildcats

The University of Arizona International Admissions team is amplifying the voices of its international student community through a new initiative called “International Voices.” A key part of the "Discover Arizona" series, this panel provides a platform for current international students to share their personal experiences, offering insight and advice to prospective students worldwide.

According to Pauline Przywara, International Enrollment Counselor for South Asia, the project is designed to ensure incoming international students have a clear and authentic understanding of life at U of A before they even step foot on campus. “The International Voices panel has current international students who are so excited to share their experiences, opinions, and overall insight into American international student life,” Przywara said. “We aim to make sure that international students applying to U of A pick their perfect institution and want to ensure that students know what to expect even before coming to campus.”

The project brings together Arizona student workers and the International Student Services Global Ambassadors, a team that works closely with recently admitted international students. Through live panels and discussions, they aim to give prospective students a diverse view of campus life. Przywara emphasizes the importance of this firsthand knowledge: “Our international students have the lived experience to be able to talk about their life here at U of A,” she said. The diversity of panel members—coming from various countries, majors, and backgrounds—ensures that a wide range of perspectives is represented.

“When students first come here, we don’t want them to struggle,” said Global Ambassador and law major from Uzbekistan Sevinch Sobirova. “I give them a brief introduction to what classes will be like, where the best places to study are, and how to be active on campus. We always encourage them to join clubs and be active at the university.” 

Beyond informing new students, the project is also a learning experience for the student workers and Global Ambassadors. Participating in these panels sharpens their communication and public speaking skills, and, as Przywara noted, helps them "grow professionally as individuals and as future working professionals." Intense training sessions prepare them to handle a variety of questions, including those that are unexpected or difficult. 

By fostering dialogue between current and future international students, the “International Voices” panel not only strengthens the University of Arizona’s commitment to supporting global education, but also promotes cultural exchange and diversity on campus. “This means that prospective international students can see themselves on campus more easily,” Przywara said.