ISS hosts welcome events for new international students
As the new semester kicks off, the U of A welcomed many new international students to Tucson, some just starting their four-year academic journey and others joining for semester-long exchange programs. International Student Services (ISS) welcomed the new students with two events, a Campus Mixer and the New International Students Welcome Party. The two events offered students the chance to connect, socialize, and build community on campus.
“Attending these events is one of the most important things you can do as an international student because being alone during your experience in another country closes you off to so many opportunities, " said International Student Specialist Fátima Guadalupe Ramos Torres. “Just opening a conversation with a stranger can change everything. You might encounter a new best friend for life that you will talk to even far away in the future.”
At the Mixer, new U of A students began socializing by playing an interactive game of bingo with a twist.
The first event was a Campus Mixer, held at the Global Center. At the Mixer, more than 60 attendees began socializing by playing an interactive game of bingo with a twist. The bingo card featured prompts tied to unique experiences that prompted students to get to know one another and made for great conversations and connections. Hot chocolate and snacks accompanied the attendees and their conversations about how they ended up at the U of A.
“I chose to come to the U of A because out of the American options, it was the college town with the best weather, and I liked the sporting culture here,” said Ryan Gurney, an accounting major from Australia. “It has a wide range of opportunities, with a good college life and community.”
After the game of bingo, students were encouraged to stick around, play some board games and mingle with one another. This socializing event is one of the many recurring opportunities hosted by ISS to encourage connection-building and socialization.
“I think these types of events are a really cool place to mix and make friends,” said Serin Mariyam Luke a first-year student from India studying biological sciences. “I've been talking to some really cool people. I've met friends from Sweden, even from my own country.”
The second event of the week was the New International Students Welcome Party at Frog & Firkin on Friday night. The popular Tucson restaurant opened its door to the 90 attendees.
More than 90 students joined ISS for the New International Students Welcome Party at Frog & Firkin on Friday night.
In this setting, students were able to eat a full meal and hang out with one another in a casual environment off campus. It was a great opportunity to unwind and build new connections outside of the classroom.
“Attending these events helps me find community and hear other peoples’ stories," said first-year student from Uzbekistan, Shohjahon Makhmudov. "Many students here, like myself, are first-year students who may be homesick, so spending some time together can be really good for us. These events can also be networking as well; who knows, maybe in ten years, we'll see each other again at a big company!”
As the semester picks up, make sure to check the official ISS event calendar for upcoming events!