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With about 208 students from about 48 countries, West Texas A&M University is a diversely rich institution, but how are international students being represented around campus?

Spread throughout different areas and majors of the University, these students work hard not only to get their degree, but also to go against boundaries of language and culture.

The International Student Society was founded a semester ago with the purpose of joining international students so that they would feel identified and able to share their cultures with different students.

Dr. Anthony Spencer, assistant professor at the communication department said, “Oftentimes international students do not have a social network established and have difficulty adjusting to life in the area. An international student organization is fundamental to providing students with friends to help them navigate the new culture.”

Before the organization opened, the only place around campus dedicated to help international students was the International Student Office. Here students receive advice, especially regarding their immigration status in the United States.

Crisitna Aguaiza, one of the founders of the International Student Society explains, “[We decided to open the ISS] because many needed help, a guide and advice, not only from the International Student Office, but from another student.”

Even though the International Student office helps students a lot, it does so in an administrative way. It is also important for students to have a place where they will feel identified and understood in a student driven environment.

According to the ISS Constitution, one of the organization’s main goals is, “To bridge the gap between International and American students and to help them transition smoothly into life at WTAMU.”

To achieve this, the society is starting an Awareness Project through which students will share about their culture as they raise consciousness about the International Student Society. The event will take place in the JBK every other Wednesday.
Like Dr. Spencer says, “Intercultural understanding is vital to being a good communicator. The world around us is becoming more multicultural through travel, immigration and globalization.