Are you a prospective international student looking to learn more about the international student experience at UNCW? Our Global Student Ambassadors serve to provide opportunities for current international students to connect with prospective international students. Learn more about our Global Student Ambassadors below and feel free to reach out to them to learn more about what it's like to join the global Seahawk community!
Luccas Souza Cruz
Where are you from?
Proudly, from São Paulo, Brasil!
Major?
Double majoring in Marketing: Marketing Strategy and Communication Studies
Why did you choose UNCW?
My original plan was to study Engineering, so I came to UNCW thinking about the 2+2 Program with N.C. State. However, as my first semester went by, I got extremely attached to the people at UNCW, and to the friendly environment and the campus itself. By the end of it, I had decided to change my major and I knew I did not want to leave this university. Besides that, I came to UNCW because I knew some people here in North Carolina!
Why do you like the student community at UNCW?
I absolutely love the student community at UNCW! When I first got here, I was terrified of not fitting in but got over it quickly with the help of the super friendly and laid back environment the students and staff created here. We all have our bad days from time to time, but I’m sure this place will get you back up on your feet in no time!
What do you want to do after you graduate?
Hopefully, work within one of my major's areas; at the moment, I am all about graphic design! But I also have this huge dream of working in the music industry and with audiovisual production!
What advice do you have for international students considering studying in the United States?
I would say be ready to have one of the best experiences of your life, but make sure you are well prepared! Studying abroad is no easy task, but its definitely worth it! Get ready to meet people from all around the world and make your English flawless! Considering school, make sure you stay on top of your assignments, but always make sure to make time to explore our wonderful community and find your spot here; resting and relaxing is important too!
What challenges have you faced as an international student and how has UNCW helped you overcome those?
The language and cultural barrier were certainly a pain for me during my first months here and it they still give me a hard time occasionally. Other than that, I had some trouble with homesickness: it would hit me pretty hard sometimes, and dealing with something like that is never easy. But fear not Future Seahawks; the UNCW community is prepared to receive international students and knows about all of those difficulties we go through, so they’ll be there to support you whenever you need it, may it be with the barriers or with the homesickness!
June Khongpatimakorn
Where are you from?
Thailand
Major?
Engineering
What are you involved in on campus?
International Ambassador
Why did you choose UNCW?
UNCW has an outstanding studying aboard and international program.
Why do you like the student community at UNCW?
Everyone is nice and chill. It is a perfect size college. Not too big or too small.
What do you want to do after you graduate?
Hopefully, I will be able to find a job that I can move around and see places.
What advice to you have for international students considering studying in the United States?
Always be open minded and get involved with all kinds of activities.
What challenges have you faced as an international student and how has UNCW helped you overcome those?
I found it was hard to understand some professors but I made friends and we help each other out.
Léa Dubois Rebière
Where are you from?
France
Major?
International Business
What are you involved in on campus?
Women's Tennis team
Why did you choose UNCW?
Because of its reputation and the feeling with my teammates
Why do you like the student community at UNCW?
Good vibes, which is very helpful for new students.
What do you want to do after you graduate?
I would like to continue my studies in France.
What advice to you have for international students considering studying in the United States?
So, obviously, the first two months are very hard but you have to practice your English and ask for help. Everyone will be happy to help you.
What challenges have you faced as an international student and how has UNCW helped you overcome those?
The language barrier and to be familiar with the campus and the rules. UNCW helped me to overcome these problems thanks to its many organizations and events helping international students. Also, all the American and foreign students are here to help you and you can feel it.
Michael Bacon
Where are you from?
England
Major?
Creative Writing (MFA)
What are you involved in on campus?
*On* campus not so much, but I run a monthly literary reading off campus that attracts lots of MFA and BFA students from UNCW who want to read their poetry and prose!
Why did you choose UNCW?
I applied to lots of programs, but only UNCW really felt like a friendly, welcoming place to do my MFA. There was just something about the tone of the Creative Writing webpage and the communications I got from our departmental admins that told me this was a community. Turns out I was right.
Why do you like the student community at UNCW?
This is a pretty laid back, positive place to study. I think it attracts the kind of person who recognizes the importance of having goals and having fun.
What do you want to do after you graduate?
Long term, write novels. Short term, who knows? Probably teaching or maybe video games journalism.
What advice to you have for international students considering studying in the United States?
Figure out how medical insurance works and choose a good plan. This is a great country to live in for so many reasons, but it’s not a cheap place to get sick. I messed my knee up and now it needs surgery, but I’m waiting until I get back to England to have it done because it will cost way more here.
What challenges have you faced as an international student and how has UNCW helped you overcome those?
Getting work over the summer can be difficult if you are on a student visa. Your options are very limited. I asked around and was lucky enough to find a summer-only graduate assistantship. If you are a graduate student these can be a real lifesaver. Ask around about what might be available; a large reason UNCW offers these is to help you find enough funding to graduate!
Varsha Kumar
Where are you from?
India
Major: Psychology
Minor: Recreation, Sports Leadership and Tourism Management
What are you involved in on campus?
International Student Organization, International Ambassador and the Desi Student Association.
Why did you choose UNCW?
UNCW has a great Psychology Program and also I get to live right next to the beach.
Why do you like the student community at UNCW?
Everyone at UNCW is really friendly and they make you feel at home. Also, there are several ways to get involved on campus and meet new people.
What do you want to do after you graduate?
I would like to do my Masters and then get a PhD in Psychology.
What advice to you have for international students considering studying in the United States?
Leaving everything behind and moving to a whole different country can be quite intimidating. But, I decided to take it as a challenge. It’s going to be tough at first because you have to make new friends and get used to the culture. Once you do that, you’ll love it. UNCW offers a lot of resources to make your transition as smooth as possible and help you settle in. I would recommend going to all the International events because that’s a great way to meet people.
What challenges have you faced as an international student and how has UNCW helped you overcome those?
I had a hard time with some of the classes as I didn't expect to be studying all these different subjects as your general education courses, regardless of your major. It was quite difficult as I didn't’t really like Math or History and I had to take a couple of those courses to declare my major. But, the professors really help you with anything you struggle in and it was quite easier than what I had imagined once I got used to the education system here.
Elyse Tankoano
Where are you from?
I am from Ouaga, in Burkina Faso.
Major?
Masters degree in Chemistry.
What are you involved in on campus?
I am involved with the International Student Ambassadors and CRU (Crusade for Christ).
Why did you choose UNCW?
UNCW was recommended to me by dear friends of my family.
Why do you like the student community at UNCW?
Very warm and open minded. They are great programs for international students as well. You can really have lots of fun while reaching your goals here.
What do you want to do after you graduate?
Finding peace in a job that I will enjoy, either in science or working with children. Travel the world.
What advice do you have for international students considering studying in the United States?
It’s a tough and challenging step but very rewarding for you as a person. The people you meet, the moments you collect, the lessons you learn, and the things you learn about yourself, that’s priceless. Do it and come open minded. It will be a shock at first but trust the journey.
What challenges have you faced as an international student and how has UNCW helped you overcome those?
The cultural differences, and the language barrier, were the tough ones. UNCW has great programs with international students to help make the transition easier. Travel, ask for help and get involved in student organizations it will help you.
Kai Kang
Where are you from?
Shanghai, China
Major?
2+2 Engineering Program for eventually Aerospace Engineering.
What are you involved in on campus?
I am currently the president of the Chinese club at UNCW.
Why did you choose UNCW?
I have been living in Wilmington for five years because I went to a local high school prior to UNCW. I have made so many friends these years, and I really feel like Wilmington is my second hometown. Moreover, UNCW has an amazing student community.
Why do you like the student community at UNCW?
I love the student community at UNCW because I always feel like I am welcomed. There will always be students to help me with directions or to teach me how to set up a writing center appointment. Although these things look simple after my first year, their kind action made me want to join this community and help others when there is the need.
What do you want to do after you graduate?
Hopefully, I can become an engineer that designs planes or even space crafts.
What advice do you have for international students considering studying in the United States?
I would suggest making as many friends as possible! It’s the best way to get involved and to overcome culture shock. Moreover, I think you should relax and enjoy your college life as much as I do!
What challenges have you faced as an international student and how has UNCW helped you overcome those?
I definitely got a lot of help from the writing center. I am not a good writer, and I always think that writing an essay is like the hardest thing in the world. However, after attending a couple of appointments, I started building up my confidence. I began to believe that I can actually be a good writer which I would never have imagined just over a year ago.
Xiaohui Xia
Where are you from?
China
Major?
English Literary Studies, minor in business
What are you involved in on campus?
Asian Student Organization
Why did you choose UNCW?
Wilmington is a beautiful and quiet city, I can focus better on studies. People here are also super friendly and nice.
Why do you like the student community at UNCW?
Student community at UNCW is like a big family, I no longer feel lonely when I am with other members of the community.
What do you want to do after you graduate?
I want to work in the business field, but right now I am not quite sure which particular job I will do.
What advice to you have for international students considering studying in the United States?
It is important to have an open mind when living in a different culture.
What challenges have you faced as an international student and how has UNCW helped you overcome those?
I had some language problems when I first came here. The learning center and writing center are extremely helpful. UNCW is full of opportunities. You can succeed as long as you are willing to try.
