By Michaela May ’20, staff writer
LVC always welcomes a number of full-time international students, and this year is no exception.
Starting with the annual Flag Raising Ceremony, flags from the students‘ countries have arrived from are newly displayed on campus. This allows students to look back on their origins while also looking forward to the fresh start that LVC o ers them.
“I needed to study abroad to be able to fulfill my dream,” David Campbell, a freshman actuarial science major from Honduras, said.
In Honduras, there are no opportunities to study actuarial science, and LVC gives Campbell the opportunity he needs in order to be prepared for his future.
Hope Rose, an undeclared major from the United Kingdom, arrived in the United States through a program called “Study USA.” This is run by the British Council and sends around fifty students to multiple states to study business for one year.
“Business is something I have not studied in the past, and I am intrigued to see what it is about as a subject,” Rose said.
Study abroad programs will sometimes introduce students to a new culture for the first time, and it can be their first exposure to a world of diversity while allowing them to embrace their home countries.
“I want to make Honduras known at LVC,” Campbell said. “Our country has one of the most diverse ecological systems, and it is full of forests, beaches and waterfalls. Our main tourist attractions are the Copan Ruins, Taulabé Cave and Roatán and Utila islands. For our beaches, we also have La Ceiba, Tela and Trujillo.”
Some international students want fellow students to truly get to know where they came from whether it is through conversation or by visiting.
“Although a lot of things are similar between the United Kingdom and the United States, there are also distinct differences I would love to share,” Rose said. “Even though the weather isn’t always fabulous, we have wonderful views and landscapes. I think everyone should visit more of the UK than just London itself or other big cities.”
One way to get in touch with international students in order to learn more of their stories and what they hope to accomplish here at LVC is through the Global Education Club. The club meets weekly on Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. in the Lebergern Learning Commons in the basement of the Allan W. Mund College Center. The club also holds additional events throughout the year.