The International Program hosted the International Student Welcome Party on Feb. 9. It is a biannual tradition held at the end of the first month of the fall and spring semesters to celebrate the first month of classes, make new friends, get to know people from different countries and welcome students into campus.

This was Abigail Speights, assistant director of campus experience, first time organizing the welcome party with the help of the four international ambassadors. 

“I had an incredible college experience,” Speights said. “I’m super passionate about giving everybody that same chance. I cannot stress enough how important it is to make connections with the people that you attend the same university, as that’s what really makes or breaks a person’s experience is feeling welcomed and like they belong.”  

One hundred and thirty new international students came in for orientation at the beginning of this semester. For most of them this is their first time being in the United States. Maithy Quach, a sophomore from Vietnam, said she has enjoyed her time in the U.S. 

“When I was young, I always wanted to study abroad in the U.S.,” Quach said. “When I came here it was a dream come true. There were a lot of changes. My English has improved a lot, I’ve met a lot of people and drawn from different cultures studying in an environment with caring and professional teachers.”  

A-State is home to students from over 60 countries. Speights said international students tend to group together based on the country they are from, but they also make friends with other international students at events geared specifically toward them.  

This is another reason for the welcome party: to bridge the gap between international students and domestic students. Domestic students have always been welcomed at the party, but this is the first time they’ve ever been specifically invited. 

The party also used music to bring people together.

“In China we don’t dance,” said Yixing Wang, a student ambassador from China. “That’s my favorite. That’s one of the few fun things I have in my life these days. When I met Mexican students and African students, I realized I really liked to dance to their music. I feel very connected.” 

The international ambassadors created a playlist of top hits from all over the world to provide comfort to students and for a broad range of music to be played. 

The party also included a nacho bar full of options as a way to suit everyone’s dietary needs and restrictions. There were also sweets and refreshments such as lemonade and water.  

A favorite among international students were the games played. Jovia Bulyaba, the international ambassador of Uganda and engineering major, oversaw the organizing of the three games. 

There was cornhole for students to play at any time during the party, a cup game she found on social media that is akin to musical chairs and Simon Says, as well as a mini homemade shuffleboard. 

The prizes for the winners of the games received an international candy selected by the student ambassadors. At past international events they have played a giant game of musical chairs, but for this event they kept the games smaller, as the goal of the welcome party was for students to make friends.  

“I think it went well,” Speights said. “I am very proud of the turnout especially considering we had to reschedule because of the ice.”

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