By Ona Golonka & Ibrahima Kone, Guest Commentary
Before the rush of almost 900 hundred freshmen during a hectic orientation weekend, 28 new undergraduate and graduate students from various corners of the globe touched down on the UP campus for their own few days of welcome.
Hailing from Belarus, Egypt, Taiwan, Australia and many other countries, they were introduced to their fellow international students, the UP campus and the charm of downtown Portland. They were not left to fend for themselves during their journey at UP following the orientation activities. As Campus Connectors working with the International Student Services office, we have been helping international students find their comfort zones at UP.
Throughout this past month we have gained an understanding of the many student resources on campus such as Recreational Services, Career Services, Financial Aid and the Learning Center, in order to better serve the need of international students. We have mentored students to become accomplished college test takers, participants in class discussions and how to be on top of their game academically.
Since Sept., we have given students occasions to be familiar to the lifestyle and culture of Portland through two different planned excursions. We have explored ethnic communities in Portland such as the culture of Poland at the Polish Festival. Students discovered Polish culture through food, ethnic dress, and cultural dancing such us the Polka.
Furthermore, we witnessed the unique local art scene during Last Thursday on Alberta Street. Students experienced the artistic creativity that is embedded within Portland. Students have been pleased with all the activities that which has occurred recently. As graduate student Ricardo Munoz described, "It's given us interesting events to go to so far. It's been wild."
The Campus Connector program has as an abundance of activities planned for International Students to help them feel comfortable and discover the lifestyle at UP and in Portland. In the pursuit of this goal, we have Coffee Hours each week where you can socialize, make new friends, play games and discuss anything over tea, coffee and sweets with other international students.
Come and relax during a hectic week every Monday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the International Student Center.
Also coming up, you will have the opportunity to meet new friends as we explore the surrounding community around UP with a bike ride to Mississippi Avenue in North Portland this Saturday.
To sign up, visit the International Student Center in Christie Hall 022. We hope you will adventure with us during this exciting excursion or join us during Coffee Hours in the future.
Ona Goloka is a senior communication studies major, she can be contacted at golonka12@up.edu. Ibrahima Kone is a junior business major, he can be contacted at kone12@up.edu.
