Delta State is breaking new ground with its initiative, “Fighting Okra Goes Global,” aiming to provide a warm and supportive environment for international students.
Assistant Advisor of International Student Services (ISS) Elizabeth Wickliffe and two international students Francisco da Conceicao Barbar from Timor-Leste and Steve Odira from Kenya discuss the challenges and support for international students at Delta State.
Support and Services for International Students at Delta State
According to Wickliffe, ISS provides comprehensive support to international students. “Not only are we a student services office, but we are also an admissions office for all F-1 and J-1 students.,” she says.
F-1 and J-1 visas are specific categories for international students studying in the United States. F-1 visas are for academic students, while J-1 visas are for work-and-study-based exchange programs. You can find more information on these visas on the U.S. Department of State’s website: Student Visa and J-1 Visa Basics.
ISS services range from guiding applicants through the admissions process to maintaining contact until graduation. Notably, Delta State’s commitment extends to practical matters, including airport shuttles, assistance with bank accounts, employment offers and driver’s licenses.
Wickliffe states, “We strive our best to make our office a home-away-from-home for our international students. We want them to come to us with any problem they may have, whether that’s academic questions or adjusting to life in a new context.”
Challenges and Solutions for International Students
Addressing common challenges faced by international students, Wickliffe emphasized the issue of transportation in a rural area. However, Wickliffe highlighted the university’s family-oriented campus, encouraging students to join organizations to make lifelong connections and overcome transportation issues.
Wickliffe’s insights underscore the university’s commitment to creating a supportive community for its international students.
Wickliffe also shared the success story of Gabriela Santis from Guatemala, a former Delta State international student who qualified for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 as a talented swimmer.
Perspectives from International Students
Barbar shared his tremendous experiences at Delta State, highlighting the International Student Services office’s crucial role in providing information, guidance, and support.
He praised DSU’s efforts to embrace diversity, expressing his hope for the future: “I hope that ‘Fighting Okra Goes Global’ could possibly expand to my country.”
Odira provided a glimpse into his first-time experience of a sense of community at Delta State. He commended the ISS’s support, rating it a remarkable 9 out of 10.
Odira acknowledged overcoming challenges, including potential racism, by embracing positive energy and lauded DSU’s encouragement of inclusivity by allowing international students to participate in the student government.
He expressed his hope for more international students to join DSU under the “Fighting Okra Goes Global” initiative.
Future Initiatives under “Fighting Okra Goes Global”
Looking forward, International Recruiter Michelle Johansen has started recruiting at U.S. community colleges to attract international students seeking four-year institutions. The goal is to expand Delta State’s global community, with expected results soon.
In conclusion, Delta State’s dedication to building a global community through “Fighting Okra Goes Global” is evident in its support, diverse student body, and future recruitment. The university celebrates its international students’ achievements and strives to make DSU a home for students worldwide.
