A Home Away From Home

When it comes to studying abroad, San Diego State University has an open-door policy. An academic venture overseas is an integral part of the Aztec Experience, and SDSU is one of the top universities in the nation for the number of students who study abroad as undergraduates.

But what about our international friends who choose to spend a few weeks, a semester, or a year at SDSU?

More than 2,300 international students from more than 96 countries are currently studying at SDSU, hailing from countries including Ecuador, the Philippines, Morocco and Denmark. 

"It is important to have international students at SDSU because they add to the diversity of the campus, broaden classroom discussions with varying viewpoints, and enrich our students' knowledge of other countries and cultures," said Jane Kalionzes, associate director of SDSU's International Student Center.

We caught up with a few international students who left home for the Aztec Mesa. 

Billie Forbes, United Kingdom

Billie Forbes decided to come to SDSU because Southern California was enticing to her, in addition to the opportunities available to students. During her year at SDSU, the television, film and new media major hopes to establish lifelong networks and work on as many projects as possible.

"The facilities on campus are like none that I have ever seen before. The university offers so much help for the success of its students, and that's the type of school that I have always wanted to be a part of," she said.

Although balancing homework, activities and having a social life is stressful, Forbes manages to make the most of it.

"School can get really stressful when you have a lot of projects due and midterms to revise for, so having places where you can go to study and do work that are relaxing with beautiful scenery is really beneficial."

Forbes was surprised at the differences between the United States and United Kingdom.

"The English and American education systems are very different, I'm not saying one is better than the other, but I am learning an astonishing amount here as it's a much more intense course compared to the one back home. One thing that I do miss about England is the food, I never thought that would be something that I miss but I do — as cliché as it sounds, I really do miss fish and chips!"

Despite occasional bouts of homesickness, Forbes encourages students to study abroad.

"If anyone who reads this is thinking of studying abroad and has doubts, I would highly advise you to do it," she said. "I believe by taking the jump and studying abroad for a year, I have taken the first step in my journey to success."

Angela Moss, Bahamas

Angela Moss came to SDSU because of its rank as one of the top 25 business schools in the country. While at SDSU, she will be studying business management with a specialization in entrepreneurship and a minor in real estate.

"Aside from its high ranking, SDSU had an enrollment of over 35,000 students from all different backgrounds and I’ve always wanted to be a part of a school with a diverse culture," she said.

Moss has noticed significant differences between the United States and her home country of The Bahamas.

"The Bahamas is different in terms of food, culture and personal interactions, she said. "People in the United States are cautiously interactive, whereas in The Bahamas the people are more friendly and open."

While at SDSU, Moss hopes to get involved and make new friends.

"I want to have fun, meet a lot of new people and teach them about my country," she said. "I meet a new person almost every week and I have become acquainted enough to see a familiar face every day! I plan to be an active student at SDSU and through my involvement in different clubs and organizations, I can achieve my goal of giving everyone a bit of the Caribbean.

"My SDSU experience will be one that not only impacts my life but also the lives of those I interact with," Moss said.

Sari  I. El assaad, Lebanon

After completing two college years at a community college in Northern California, Sair I. El assad fell in love with California. With a passion for business, he was searching for a top business school. SDSU seemed to be the perfect fit.

While at SDSU, the junior plans to earn more than a degree. "I want to take advantage of every single opportunity that comes my way, on and off campus, El assad said. "I have already been involved in several activities and programs in SDSU that were all a first-timer to me, and I am very glad that I did so. This is a place that encourages students in every way to try, and to count every failure as a step forward toward success."

El assad enjoys the community fostered by the SDSU campus.

"It's just more than an educational center," he said. "In addition to the diverse programs, facilities and activities, it really is all about the positive environment."

El assad encourages students to take advantage of study abroad opportunities.

"Travelling alone can teach you a lot," he said. "Many people think study abroad programs are solely about academics. Education is important, but knowing how to use the educational experiences you gain abroad is crucial."

Despite being thousands of miles away from his home in Lebanon, El assad feels welcome and comfortable on the Mesa. 

"Although I haven't even finished my first semester at SDSU, I already very much feel like it's home."

Håkon Christoffer Jonsmyr, Norway

Christoffer Jonsmyr loved SDSU so much that one semester abroad was not enough. He arrived on the Mesa as a freshman and plans to stay for four years.

Jonsmyr, a Norwegian native, lived in the United States when he was younger. After moving back to Norway, he knew he wanted to return to the United States for college. SDSU was his first choice. 

"I looked at videos and pictures of the campus and knew that this is where I wanted to be," he said. The relaxed environment and atmosphere on campus were also big selling points.

The athletic training major is making the most of his time on campus. He joined SDSU's crew team and is looking to get involved with other clubs and organizations, such as the debate team.

"Everyone here is very determined — they know what they want and they work really hard," he said. 

Jonsmyr has also noticed significant cultural differences between Norwegians and Americans. "People here are a lot friendlier, more open and definitely louder," he said. But despite the differences, Jonsmyr feels at home in San Diego.

After graduation, he hopes to stay in the United States and work as an athletic trainer. 

"While I'm here, I want to build a strong network," he said. "I would love to stay here after graduation, so developing a network is really important."

In the meantime, you can find him hanging out at Aztec Lanes or working in SDSU's Athletic Training Center.