International Education Program Brings Students and Community Together

Photo Courtesy of the Office of International Education.

The International Education Program at UW-Stevens Point is a crossroads between cultures and prepares students to become members of the community.

Currently UW-Stevens Point has 62 international students enrolled, 12 of which are participating in Post-Completion Optional Practical Training which extends their stay in America, so they can work and gain skills in their prospective fields while still being students at UW-Stevens Point.

The International Student and Scholar Services Office is a converging point for students to be integrated into the community. They provide international students with the resources they need to be successful at UW-Stevens Point .

Brad Van Den Elzen, Director of the Office of International Education, identified the transition to American life as a major challenge that students face at UW-Stevens Point.

“It’s a pretty intense experience. It’s basically 9-10 hours a day for those four days that we spend with them, in normal times, pre-COVID of course. The intention there is just to give them a running start so they are ready to hit the ground running when classes begin,” Van Den Elzen stated.

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Brad Van Den Elzen.
Courtesy of UW-Stevens Point.

This onboarding process covers everything from academics to bank account assistance.

Victor Alencar, Brazilian international student and graduate of UW-Stevens Point, reflected on his experience with orientation.

“We learned everything right off the bat: American culture, how education in the U.S. works, insurance…they just briefed us on everything we would need.”

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Victor Alencar.
Courtesy of Victor Alencar.

The Peer Mentor program is available for international students and connects new students with others who have already spent a year or more as an international student.

Alencar had a Peer Mentor and spoke fondly on the experience as he was able to gain valuable insight from someone who had prior experience with the program and American life.

Due to the Peer Mentor program, Alencar became friends with other international students and experienced the family atmosphere.

Van Den Elzen noted that having these students involved on campus and in the community encourages a broadening of perspectives for all involved.

Aruã de Castro is a student from Brazil, currently enrolled at UW-Stevens Point. He discussed his view on the International Education Program and the community in Stevens Point.

“It makes me feel at home; there are lots of things to do if you’re creative. There are a ton of culturally different activities here that I wouldn’t see in my home state of Mato Grosso. From exploring the natural world, to unique dining experiences, Stevens Point has a little of everything.”

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Aruã de Castro.
Courtesy of Aruã de Castro.

Upon graduation, many international students participate in Post-Completion Optional Practical Training, and from there, they can apply for a work visa.

Alencar is working for a company in Milwaukee, WI and is applying to different graduate schools as he looks to continue his educational journey.

Ji Sung Kim, international student from the Republic of South Korea, graduated in communication with an emphasis in media studies. She initially interned with CREATE Portage County and is now a film editor for Thousand Lumens Productions.

The resources of the Office of International Education provided her with a baseline to branch out from.

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Ji Sung Kim.
Courtesy of Ji Sung Kim.

International Student and Scholar Services is a valuable resource that serves as a starting point for international students to venture out and become a part of the community.

For more information on the International Student and Scholar Services Office visit https://www.uwsp.edu/isss/Pages/default.aspx.

About Kai Schmitt

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