The University of Akron (UA) is home to many students from around the U.S. who are proud to choose UA and stay close to family and friends as they pursue a degree.
A very different population of students comes from a much greater distance for their academic journey. An essential element of the University community, the international students choose UA because they want the unique and impactful experience of living abroad while attending a university.
Once admitted to UA, the International Center guides these students from Orientation to Commencement. The Center helps students maintain their immigration status, transition to the U.S. and ensure they are integrated into the campus community.
“With international students, we see that a relatively seamless transition to a new country and new educational experience sets them up for success,” said Nicola Kille, UA’s executive director of international education administration.
During the 2023-24 academic year, there were 523 international students from 70 countries, which is about 3.4 percent of UA’s student population. Students from India made up 17.4 percent of this group, followed by China, Nigeria, Ghana and Bangladesh. Kille said these students are drawn to UA because of its academic reputation, proximity to major U.S. cities and hands-on learning opportunities.
Before they start classes, international students receive support with navigating the U.S. health care system, setting up their student accounts, opening a bank account and accessing a cell phone. After they’ve arrived on campus, they attend a mandatory orientation to learn about the services available to them through the University. They also participate in icebreaker activities with their fellow international students.
“We want to make sure our international students are focused on starting their academic careers and building a life for themselves at UA and in the U.S.,” Kille said. “Making sure they have support along the way alleviates some of the stress of this huge transition.”
The International Center also connects students with the English Language Institute (ELI), which offers programs to help individuals learn English and gives international students a chance to improve their conversational skills. While academic and immigration support are critical for international students, there are also student life and social opportunities available to them on campus and in the community.
UA’s International Student Organization encourages friendship and cultural awareness in the community by organizing and participating in social activities. One of the founders of that group, Jose García ‘24 (pictured left), was recently awarded the Outstanding International Student Award by the Ohio International Consortium (OIC).
“When looking for colleges, I knew I wanted to go somewhere I could be part of a community of different people. I came across The University of Akron and since day one, I knew I made the right choice,” said García, who is from Honduras and earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. “As an international student, I always felt like I had a voice on campus.”
Story by Jessica Whitehill