First Impressions from Fall 2024
Global UGRAD participants have settled into their new campuses after arriving last month. Whether it’s the size of the supermarkets or the American expressions and mannerisms, our students experience many cultural differences during their first few weeks in the United States. We’ve captured some thoughts and feelings about how this exchange program has surprised some of our students and how it has exceeded and challenged their prior expectations for the semester.
Katarina Cvetinic | Serbia | Missouri State University
“It’s still hard for me to explain how I really feel, but one thing I know for sure is that everything is amazing, people are nice, courses are good, and professors are outstanding. I really like my host campus especially because of all the greenery it has, but also because of how the buildings look. One thing that I don’t like is how much AC is used, even though we were warned about it. However, I have gotten used to it, so that’s not a problem now. Furthermore, Springfield is amazing; it’s not too big, not too small. Most of the places I can reach by foot, which is good; I eat so much at the dining hall, so some walking isn’t bad at all. Since arriving, I have visited the Discovery Center of Springfield, which is an interactive museum, West Central Community Garden, and some grocery shops, which were so fascinating to me because of their size. I find American cars, especially muscle cars and big trucks, very interesting. Most days (not including classes and time spent on homework and studying), I spend time with my American roommate or other UGRAD students.”
Cynthia Nekesa | Kenya | Bluefield State University
“My first impression of my American host campus was that it was beautiful but small. The view of the mountains was breathtaking. I like the fact that every drive here feels like a road trip. I thought my home university’s campus was in a hilly place, but Bluefield is on a proper hill and it helps with exercising. My biggest surprise about life on campus is the way moving around without a car is so difficult; however, the people are nice and helpful, and the diversity in the people and the food is amazing. Going to Blacksburg, Virginia for shopping was a nice experience, and I found a Kenyan delicacy to remind me of home.”
Jan Edrian Ariola | Philippines | Mercyhurst University
“It’s been almost three weeks now since I arrived in the United States, and while everything feels so fast-paced, especially since classes have already started, I was still able to explore the city and unlock a new, exciting, and fun experience! Last weekend I visited Asbury Woods, one of the many trail hiking places here in Erie. This marks my second trail hiking experience here, and this opportunity was something new to me coming from the bustling city of Manila. I remember during my panel interview for this program, they asked if there was anything I’d like to do in the U.S. outside of my academics and extracurricular activities. I mentioned hiking, never expecting to actually meet a friend who will help me make this desire a reality. It’s funny because when people think of the U.S., they usually picture towering skyscrapers, but I’ve been pleasantly welcomed by all the green spaces here. Hiking seems to be a normal part of life in Erie, with families out for walks with their dogs, runners everywhere, and the trails so well-kept. I’ve been loving nature here, but I’m looking forward to exploring the big cities soon! I can’t wait to see what the next adventure brings.”
Lejla Ajdin | Bosnia & Herzegovina | Cottey College
“I was surprised that Nevada, Missouri does not have bus, taxi, or Uber services. Our college is also very small, so there are 4 to 10 people in a class, which I appreciate because we can really talk with professors and focus on every detail and the things in which we are interested. We attended our first American football game at a local high school recently. We gave it our all and supported the Nevada Tigers. People are so nice and forthcoming here; it’s weird for an eastern European person to always hear “Oh, sorry about that!” However, it’s also strange because this city is so similar to my hometown that I don’t feel like I’ve left my home.”