International Student Spotlight
Editor's Note: Ohio State is home to nearly 6,000 international students, according to a 2022-23 Statistical Report. Most students can relate to the daunting feat of starting college in a new town, but not as many know what it’s like to be a student in a different country. We recognize that everyone’s journey is unique and worth sharing. For this edition, we want to highlight the personal anecdotes of international students as a way of showing our support and validating those individual experiences. Want your story highlighted? Email us: blackxboldmag@gmail.com
“I think the reason why I choose to study in the United States is that there are many worthwhile places for me to study in the United States and the excellent learning atmosphere.”
Jerry Wang said he always knew he wanted to study in the United States because his father, who works abroad, often brought his experiences home during his childhood. This, coupled with attending a local international school to learn English, Wang said he knew he was going to complete his education in the United States.
Wang said there are many differences from education in America compared to China, both with its advantages and disadvantages, such as deadlines and homework load. Aside from education, Wang said he enjoys recreational basketball and exercising during his free time.
“I think there’s a ton of fast food here, which I have to control the urge to eat everyday, and people eat too early usually compared to the times I ate in Peru.”
Rafael Ramos said he decided to study in the United States because of the quality of education and professional opportunities that he could take advantage of. Ramos said he wanted to be independent from his parents and succeed academically on his own. He said he has enjoyed observing the differences of American life compared to his upbringing in Peru and looks forward to progressing through his professional career in America.
“It's been very refreshing to have different kinds of people in every setting of my life”
Shreya Sandurkar said she has always wanted to study in America because of the opportunities in academics and the ability to learn from students from other backgrounds. She has spent time trying to gauge the differences in opinions many Americans hold and how that impacts the way people interact with one another. Her experience studying as an international student has only made her want to spread her wings even more across the globe after graduation.