Gloria Oh is an international student from South Korea, currently in her third year majoring biology and agriculture with a chemistry minor. She has been deeply involved in the Honors community, serving as the public relations officer for this school year. Through this interview, we will be able to learn about the unique challenges and perspective of being a foreign student.
Why did you decide to study abroad?
Coming to the US really wasn't my decision, but I've been an international student since high school. I chose Andrews for scholarships and after the campus visit. I'm satisfied with my experience here at Andrews so far. I like that there are so many other international students here as well and how diverse the campus is.
What are the best parts of being an international student at Andrews?
I like that there are other international students who are in the same boat as I am. It makes it less of a big deal and I can feel more like I belong rather than feeling like a foreigner. Andrews does a better job than my high school at integrating international students and helping them adjust to life here.
Have you had any challenges in being an international student?
One challenge has been finding opportunities available in the U.S. that are open to my visa status. I think more schools should try to make the visa process easier for students. That's part of what helped determine my decision to come to Andrews. It's also difficult and frustrating because tuition for international students is very high, so I wish that could change soon in the US.
Could you give one cultural difference between students in your home country and in the US?
I am able to care less about what I wear when I'm here.
Favorite programs at Andrews as an international student?
My favorite program as an AU student would be Honors! I like how supportive the community is and all the teachers that I can take classes from. I especially enjoyed learning in classes from Dr. Pittman. She's a great teacher that really fits well with me, which is why I liked taking Lit and the Arts with her.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of 老司机传媒. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, 老司机传媒 or the Seventh-day Adventist church.