Holly Morgan
Hmorgan3@uwyo.edu
As finals week and winter break approaches, so does the annual time for students to return to family and traditions; however, for most international students at UW, family is not a car ride away; rather, they are a lengthy and expensive plane ride away, a cost that is not feasible for all students to undertake.
Nonetheless, there are plenty of opportunities and experiences accessible to international students over break, from skiing for the first time in Snowy Range to exploring American landscapes and culture.
International Students and Scholars is part of the Division of Student Affairs in the Admissions Office and serves an international population of more than 850 international students, 100 scholars and more than 200 international dependents annually.
Over 90 countries from around the world are represented at UW.
“Most of our international students are extremely diligent, so a long break such as winter break are great opportunities for those who don’t go home to explore American culture without the pressure of school and studying,” . Maria Almendares, coordinator of student scholar immigration for the ISS, said.
For students who want a personal look at American traditions, friendship families program is offered in conjunction with University of Wyoming International Students and Scholars office. FFP is an organization committed to connecting Laramie families with international students so that they may have the experience of being part of an American family for the duration of their stay at UW.
Traditions such as holidays or fun activities like weekend skiing trips can be spent with the family, giving international students a view of daily life in America, Almendares said.
Other international students take the long pause in school as an opportunity to travel the country.
“One break some other Brazilian students and I went on a road trip from Las Vegas to California, a lot of Brazilian students connect through Facebook to coordinate trips and excursions like that,” Ana Paula Martins, a Brazilian student studying petroleum engineering at UW, said.
UW’s International Students Association is concerned with allowing engagement with the university community and other international community members so shared enrichment opportunities are easily accessed, Thushara Lankanada, president of the ISA, said.
She encourages students to look out for events the ISA puts on as an opportunity to connect with people from their own countries and outside.
“When I came to the university from Sri Lanka, International Coffee Hour allowed me to meet with a lot of international people also in my situation it’s a great resource,” Lankanada said.
