Step into the International Office in 210 Talbert Hall and you'll find maps of the world, a souvenir from Istanbul, and brochures on local attractions for international students to explore while in Western New York.
Countless tiny pins on a map mark the distant places that students have traveled from to display UB's diverse international population.
International students make up a moderate percentage of UB's student body: out of 26,989 students in fall 2010, 14.27 percent were international students, according to Ellen Dussourd, assistant vice provost and director of International Student and Scholar Services.
Students leave the comfort of their own homes and familiar surroundings to be totally immersed in American culture – all while earning a degree.
"In my country, the quality of education offered is not good at all compared to what the United States of America has to offer," said Raulwolfia Mannan, a sophomore biology major from Bangladesh. "I wanted to become independent. If I choose to go back to my country, I will get a job very easily."
UB is ranked in the 12th percentile of international students enrolled among all U.S. campuses, according to the Institute of International Education. Under new president, Satish K.Tripathi, the university has further plans to expand globally: the goal is to not only attract more students from overseas, but to also promote domestic students to study abroad.
For many students, studying at UB is their first exposure to American culture and education. The new environment can be challenging, but UB provides the services and tools they need to succeed. The English Language Institute provides a program known as the Chat Room, which is a conversation program where UB domestic students are matched with international students.
Although many international students have studied English in their home countries prior to arriving in Buffalo, the language barrier can be tough to cross.
"Studying English in Indonesia didn't necessarily mean I used it back home," said Steffany Irawan, a graduate student in the arts management program. "Here I have to use it for everything I want to say. Sometimes it's difficult."
Although classes in their native countries have provided a basis for understanding and speaking English, some students find themselves needing extra help and enroll in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.
Adeline Kwak, a senior communication major from Singapore, was raised speaking English. The only differences she has noticed in the U.S. are distinct accents that she did not experience in Singapore. Irawan also noted the difference.
"There are still adjustments I have to make. Your accent is one of the things," Irawan said. "There are some classmates that talk so fast. I need more time to understand what they are talking about."
The pace of American speech seems to be a common frustration among international students.
"I have [difficulties] in money and banking," said Yasuhiro Abe, a junior business major from Japan. "The professor speaks so fast so usually I cannot understand [the] lecture at that one time but, she has been to Japan before. She knows about Japanese. It's really helpful for me."
The university attempts to make the transition into American life as easy and enjoyable as possible.
"I have an advisor and I also get invitations to attend special workshops," said Hugo Gonzalez, a senior mechanical engineering student from Mexico. "They teach us how to understand American culture and how to interact with American and non-American students."
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services also frequently organizes trips and activities around Western New York that make it possible for students to discover local treasures, from the beauty of Niagara Falls to the art-infused culture of Allentown.
In addition to these workshops, living directly on campus is a significant aspect of their adjustment to the university.
"It's very nice to live on campus. I like that I can live with other students. I like the fitness center, swimming pool – it's attracting," Gonzalez said.
Other students revel in the social and communal facets of UB.
"I'm enjoying being friends with all these different people from all over the world here. I get to learn a lot of things not taught in books," Mannan said.
Email: news@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Courtesy of Mitchell Kish
