By Genesis Moon\/\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The number of international students studying at Hood is increasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Previously, Hood\u2019s international population encountered many difficulties as a result of the Trump administration\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As reported by Al-Dajane, Hood has more international students in the graduate school than the undergraduate school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because of Hood\u2019s culturally diverse community, the college is planning to host a number of cultural events on campus this semester.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These events will provide students with the opportunity to learn about other cultures and celebrate with their fellow classmates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cInternational students bring the world to Hood College,\u201d Al-Dajane said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"