Host Partner Feature: North Central College

World Learning is excited to feature North Central College (NCC) in this month’s Host Partner Feature! For the Spring 2023 term, North Central College was home to four Global UGRAD students: Volha Bahdanava (Belarus), Arayan Khare (India), Maria Gonzalez (Dominican Republic), and Makedon Yunoev (Tajikistan). Ann (Annie) Carnell, the Associate Director of International Enrollment Management, shared with World Learning how North Central College supports international students and helps make Global UGRAD students feel at home.

Headshot of Ann Carnell, Associate Director of International Enrollment Management at North Central College
Ann Carnell, Associate Director of International Enrollment Management at North Central College

How long have you been working at North Central College and what is your role?

I’m the Associate Director of International Enrollment Management and I’ve been working at North Central College for seven years. To put it simply, I work to support international students interested in studying at NCC.

What does your orientation for international students involve?

Our International Student Orientation is robust! It starts with a virtual Pre-Arrival Information Session before the start of the semester and transitions to a two-day on-campus event featuring sessions about classes, residence halls, being an NCC student, immigration and visa requirements, U.S. culture, and campus resources.

International Student Welcome Week at North Central College
International Student Welcome Week at North Central College

Can you briefly describe a handful of campus clubs, events, and/or programs that are designed with international students in mind?

We are fortunate to have a very active International Club!  The organization is run by international students who work to host fun, informative, and engaging events for their peers. Last year, they hosted Friendsgiving, a Lunar New Year lantern-making event, and attended a local Holi celebration.

International Club at NCC
International Club at NCC

What makes North Central College unique?

I would highlight two things! The first is our location. Our campus is situated just blocks from downtown Naperville, Illinois, where students and families can find incredible restaurants, unique shops, and even a river walk! We’re also located 35 minutes outside of Chicago, meaning that our students can easily access all that a major city has to offer.  Second, I think the support that North Central College offers students is unique. Every member of our campus is dedicated to serving and supporting students, whether they work in financial aid, the library, or on our Student Success Team.

Boilerhouse Café at NCC – Annie’s Favorite spot on campus!

What is your favorite place on campus and why?

My favorite place on campus is under the massive tree just outside of the on-campus coffee shop, the Boilerhouse Café. It’s a shady spot full of tables where you can work or sip on a coffee. It’s a great place to get away!

Please share a takeaway or memorable story from your work with the Global UGRADs.

Global UGRAD students are always active and engaged on our campus. Almost anywhere you go, you’ll see a Global UGRAD student. Knowing that they truly invest in the students, faculty, and staff around them and their overall experience makes them a joy to host!

Wentz Science Center- another beautiful building that makes up NCC's campus
NCC’s Wentz Science Center

Anything else you would like to share about NCC?

We have an International Living and Learning Community at NCC. This community provides our international students with the opportunity to engage inside and outside of the classroom with students from the United States and all over the world. In fact, we have students from over 50 countries who currently call NCC home!