Oakland University welcomes more than 150 international students

The International Students and Scholars Office the Office of the Provost at Oakland University are hosting an annual welcome reception on Friday, Sept. 12 at 3 p.m.

The reception draws together current international students and alumni, as well as faculty, staff and domestic students, to meet and support the new crop of international students.

This year’s reception includes remarks by Oakland University President George W. Hynd, Provost James P. Lentini and the student body president and vice president. They will be welcoming more than 150 new international students who have chosen to continue their education at Oakland.

A large number of students this year are coming from the countries of China, India and Saudi Arabia. Other countries represented include: Albania, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Germany, France, Lebanon, United Kingdom, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Mexico, Norway and Taiwan.

The main undergraduate fields of study for this year’s international students include: mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, health sciences and business. The main graduate fields of study include: mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, exercise science and secondary education and teaching.

“This event was created to provide newly-arriving international students an opportunity to integrate with the university community,” says Petra Knoche, assistant director, International Students and Scholars. “Not only does the presence of international students enrich our campus, but we want their participation at OU to be a valuable and fun academic and personal experience.”

Knoche adds that international students can use the support of others to manage the common challenges of homesickness, new independence and responsibility and to better fit into a new culture.

About the International Students and Scholars office:
The International Students and Scholars Office is committed to building an international campus through service, support and advocacy to nurture global citizenship and multicultural appreciation. This office provides services to international students and scholars, including immigration-related advising, social and cultural counseling, and helpful orientation sessions to new students.