HPU Welcomes International Students

HPU Welcomes International Students

by: Charisse Duncan

What would you do if you moved to a foreign country to attend school? How would you meet friends? Would you be able to speak the language? Would you enjoy the food?

At High Point University, foreign students bring more diversity to the campus with interesting cultures as well as a sense of belonging for everyone.


International Promenade




The International Promenade is a popular attraction at High Point University. Students walk to class, talk to friends, or grab a snack at the kiosks.

There are several sights and sounds on the Promenade such as jazz or classical music playing over the speakers, the beautiful water fountains, and statues of prominent individuals like Martin Luther King Jr. and Aristotle.

The various flags displayed throughout the light poles makes the Promenade most appealing. There are approximately 50 flags which represent a different country for the entire HPU population. Jamie Hendrix, a junior at HPU, enjoys walking the Promenade on a daily basis. "I'm happy whenever I see the North Carolina flag as well as the one from Japan," says Jamie. "I'm half Japanese, so I feel like my ethnicity is well represented."


HPU International Students (Class of 2012)

International students from 11 countries comprise 2% of the class; the 11 countries represented are:

• Belgium
• Canada
• China
• Denmark
• India
• Japan
• Pakistan
• Peru
• Taiwan
• Russia
• Trinidad and Tobago
  

Life As An International Student

It is difficult attending a school when you're from a different state, but it is more difficult when you're from another country. Takashi Torigoe, a junior at HPU, knows how difficult it can be to adjust to a foreign country. Takashi, who hails from Hamamatsu, Japan, came to High Point University in 2006 as a freshman.

Although it was difficult at first, Takashi began to get involved in extracurricular activities such as playing soccer and becoming part of the International Club. Takashi expresses his feelings about the positive experiences he's had in America. "I like it here," Takashi says. "I still have to get use to the food."

Just like most international students, Takashi does not get to home for holiday breaks, since they are usually too short and do not allow enough time to travel half way around the world. Instead he stays with his Japanese friends, who also attend HPU, on campus.

Takashi also has thought about having a future in America after he graduates from college. As a business major, he would like to travel America for the perfect job. "I'm scared because the economy is not good here," says Takashi. "I hope it will get better."


HPU Goes International!



The International Club is one of the most unique clubs at High Point University because it aims to "promote a global and international understanding." Membership is open to international students as well as American students. Every two weeks, the club meets to discuss different international cultures. The club is best known for their International Fair and Fashion Show as well as dinners and trips.



International Club Officers of Fall 2008

Dr. Barbara Mascali (Germany) Faculty adviser
Dr. Jean-François Llorens (France) Faculty adviser
President - Manar Faraj
Vice President - Jimmy Yarbough
Treasurer / SGA Rep. - Nick Benton
Secretary - Veronica Houghton
Backup SGA - Shanta Smith
Historian - Kaitlin Evans
Historian - Sally Fowler
Historian - Roger Best



The International Club shows the importance of celebrating other cultures. Roger Best, a historian for the club agrees that the club is great for the campus. "I think people, especially Americans, should know about other cultures," Roger says. "It develops a greater appreciation for everyone."


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