2008 Woodie Awards
37 Different Countries Represented on Campus
Ashley Winseck Staff Reporter
Issue date: 9/29/05 Section: News
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The majority of students come to Sacred Heart from Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. However, one group that is frequently overlooked is the international Students.
"International students and minorities combined, represent about 14 percent of our students," said Larry Wielk, Dean of Students. "That's a group of about 350-400 students."
The main reason for choosing to study in the United States is the fact that more opportunities are provided.
Opportunities range from simply learning English, hoping to receive a better education, intending to play sports and to meet new people.
"I came to the U.S. 5 years ago intending to learn English as my main goal. However, as opportunities appeared, I decided to extend my experience of being away from home," said Gustavo Netto, senior, of San Paulo, Brazil.
Other students agreed with the fact that the United States provided better chances, especially for education.
"I decided to study in the United States because this country has more and better opportunities to achieve a higher education," said Aida Kalapo, sophomore, Korce, Albania.
Deciding to study in the United States presented the problem of deciding which schools to apply to. There are hundreds of options within the Northeast alone. Choosing Sacred Heart was an easy decision for international students because of their outstanding programs that reach out to international students and welcome them to the community.
One major decision maker has been the opportunity to play sports. One of the biggest appeals was the benefit of receiving a high level education while playing high level sports at the same place.
"When I looked at the school and after I talked with Coach about the soccer program I felt that SHU would suite me the best rather then the other schools," said Jonatan Allback, freshman, Gothenburg, Sweden.
"The opportunity to transfer to Sacred Heart University came through soccer," Netto agreed.
Sports are not the only reason International students choose Sacred Heart. With 37 different countries being represented on campus, opportunities to meet different people and learn about different cultures are endless.