By Genesis Moon//
The number of international students studying at Hood is increasing.
According to Amani Al-Dajane, the director of International Student Services and the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), there have been more than 33 incoming international students in just the spring 2023 semester alone.
Previously, Hood’s international population encountered many difficulties as a result of the Trump administration’s mission to minimize foreign students visiting the United States, Al-Dajane said. However, the college has since recovered from these restrictions, as seen by the recent growth in international students.
As reported by Al-Dajane, Hood has more international students in the graduate school than the undergraduate school.
To help the students adjust to their new home and culture, International Student Services created a mentorship program where incoming students get partnered up with a peer mentor who has attended Hood for a longer period of time. Currently, this program has been active for about four years.
The program strives to allow students to receive support and guidance during their difficult transition into a new country with unfamiliar surroundings. Many of the peer mentors are involved in the Hood community and excel academically, but everyone is considered in being a mentor regardless of these qualities.
Additionally, incoming students are paired with mentors based on their home country citizenship. This way, students are introduced to someone they can relate to who shares cultural similarities with them.
Because of Hood’s culturally diverse community, the college is planning to host a number of cultural events on campus this semester.
Students are invited to celebrate Holi, a Hindu spring festival, on March 22 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Whitaker Patio. Additionally, students will have iftar dinner, the meal eaten after sunset during Ramadan, on April 11 in Whitaker Commons.
These events will provide students with the opportunity to learn about other cultures and celebrate with their fellow classmates.
“International students bring the world to Hood College,” Al-Dajane said.
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