International Students’ Snapshots
Mengna Wang
Hometown
Jiangsu, China
Class Year
sophomore
Major
business administration
Why UAlbany?
I liked the diversity of the people and the variety of different courses and opportunities.
Biggest adjustment to life in the U.S.
The language was definitely the biggest challenge for me.
Favorite American foods
doughnuts
Fun fact about her hometown
It is known as “country of fish and rice.” There are lots of rivers and bridges there; it attracts millions of tourists every year.
Guy-Michel Assi Bodje
Hometown
Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Class Year
sophomore
Major/Minor
computer engineering/math
Why UAlbany?
Some of my siblings were
already attending UAlbany.
Biggest adjustments to life in the U.S.
I arrived in Albany in January, and I’d never seen snow before! Also, I had to re-learn how to go to school – American vs. French education system – and learn to become an adult, [handling] lots of responsibilities I never had before and managing my time.
Favorite American foods
takeout – “preferably Chinese”
Fun fact about His hometown
Abidjan is easy to get lost in. The region was in perpetual development, and most streets were not actually named, so people used landmarks to navigate. Locals are used to it, though addresses were usually described in roundabout or downright funny ways.
Cam Healy
Hometown
Sydney, Australia
Class Year
junior
Major/Minor
psychology/
business and communications
Why UAlbany?
I was recruited to play basketball for the Great Danes.
Biggest adjustment to life in the U.S.
I had to learn to live on my own and balance academics with basketball.
Favorite American foods
corndogs
Fun fact about
His hometown
Sydney has one of the best harbors in the world.
Nadine Al Annabi
Hometown
Amman, Jordan
Major/Minor
political science/English or sociology
Why UAlbany?
I wanted to step outside my comfort zone. I was impressed (and shocked) by how huge UAlbany was – and, of course, by the fountains! Enrolling at the University was one of the best decisions I ever made.
Biggest adjustments to life in the U.S.
The seven-hour time difference – which made it harder to communicate with friends and family in Jordan – and the snow.
Favorite American foods
hot dogs and bagels!
Fun fact about her hometown
Aladdin and The Martian were filmed in southern Jordan, in Wadi Rum, well known for its deserts. The unique, soft sand looks similar to the surface of Mars.
Aseob Yun
Hometown
Geoje Island, South Korea
Class Year
sophomore
Major
business/marketing
Why UAlbany?
UAlbany’s business major looked attractive to me.
Biggest adjustments to life in the U.S.
I am developing my English skills so I can communicate well with professors and friends. I love American food, but I’ve also missed the taste of foods from home, so I eat Korean ramen.
Favorite American foods
buffalo chicken wings, tater tots, hot dogs, barbecue ribs, and hamburgers
Fun fact about His hometown
There are 260,000 residents in my hometown, the second-largest island in Korea, and many beaches. Two of the world’s biggest shipping companies, Samsung Heavy Industries and DSME (Daewoo), are also located there.
Ashley Lewis
Hometown
Westmoreland, Jamaica
Class Year
senior
Major/Minor
biology/psychology
Why UAlbany?
I liked the wide range of diversity represented on its website and the large number of international students enrolled.
Biggest adjustments to life in the U.S.
Leaving my family and friends and moving to a place so unlike the world I’d been accustomed to. Also, Albany is a lot colder than Jamaica.
Favorite American foods
a hot dog with the works and sweet-potato fries
Fun fact about her hometown
It is home to Rick’s Café, a restaurant and bar where people from all over the world come to cliff jump and experience our world-famous sunsets.
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