BU International Students Host Conversation Corners
Bluefield University has a diverse campus with students from all across the world — Sweden, Brazil, Spain and Puerto Rico, just to name a few. In an effort to help make these students feel a part of the campus community, the BU International Students Association (ISA) has been hosting a number of inclusion events.
Among the events is a recurring function called “Conversation Corner,” which began Monday, November 1 and featured conversations in and about Spanish. Other languages will be featured in future “Conversation Corners,” which happen every Monday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in the cafeteria.
“I love being part of this group, even if it’s for a few months,” said Grecia Almanodz, a member of the ISA. “I get to be part of the events that would be happening soon and knowing that most people would like it. We try doing fun events for other students get to know internationals and learn their culture.”
Almanodz, who came to Bluefield to play soccer for the Lady Rams, added that the ISA events also give her an outlet to connect with other international students aside from the soccer field. It’s a great way, she said, to interact with students who understand her and help her become more comfortable around them and around campus.
The ISA is also planning an “International Food Festival” during Global Education Emphasis Week, March 21-25. The group’s events are underwritten by fundraising efforts, and the entire Bluefield University campus community is invited to the events. The purpose of the events is to share various cultures with faculty, staff and students and to grow awareness of other cultures. There are no requirements for students, faculty or staff to attend the events or for students to join the ISA.
“At first, being an international student was very hard, because I didn’t know how people would react to my accent and my culture,” Almandodz said. “Now that I’ve met more international students it feels much like home, and I can relate with them and some of the struggles that they had to go through when coming to a new place with little English.”
For students that do not get to go home and see their family, the ISA and its events are a way to connect these students with cultures, whether it is their culture or not.