Gone are the days when study abroad experiences strictly revolved around receiving information within the classrooms of a new country. Today, the best U.S. university education encompasses so much more — a sense of belonging, understanding and practical help as students navigate new cultures and academic systems.
Located in Dayton, Ohio, Wright State University understands this best. They believe that creating a supportive environment is not just good for anyone new to the country, but essential. So it goes the extra mile.
“As a former international student, I understand first-hand how instrumental community backing is in navigating college abroad,” says Associate Professor Cristina Redko. “Fostering belonging for all students, faculty, and staff regardless of origin lies at the heart of any community. Our university’s diversity drives our strength. We hope to leverage that richness to wrap all students in compassion and inclusion.”
And they feel the love the moment they land in the U.S. Upon arrival, they are greeted with a warm welcome and practical assistance. These include airport pickups and orientation programs aimed at familiarizing them with campus resources and community dynamics. The university even offers specialized housing tailored to cultural and logistical requirements.
Divyeshkumar Ishvarbhai Ambaliya from India is grateful he got to stay on campus. “Overall, the housing options not only provided a roof over our heads but also served as catalysts for building a rich and inclusive campus community,” he says.
“Living in such close proximity with fellow students from around the world provided countless opportunities for cultural exchange and mutual understanding. From shared dormitories to communal spaces, every aspect of campus housing encouraged interaction and collaboration. Whether it was cooking together in the kitchen, studying in the common areas, or participating in residence hall events, these experiences helped create lasting bonds and a sense of belonging that transcends borders.”
There are plenty of connections to be made at Wright State University’s mid-sized campus. Here, students aren’t just faces in a crowd; they’re key members of a tight-knit community and always treated as such. Throughout their time here, they benefit from access to academic support, cultural enrichment opportunities, and social integration activities.
Campus was even designed with them in mind. Going about during chilly winters is made easier with the extensive tunnel system — an engineering marvel in its own right. Stretching nearly two miles beneath the Dayton campus, passageways connect 23 out of 24 buildings in the academic core area, providing students with sheltered pathways that shield them from the elements while going from one academic space to another.
Solace and innovative infrastructure aside, Wright State University is home to a wealth of academic programs designed to prepare ambitious students to realize their aspirations. For those passionate about improving lives, its health programs, especially those in nursing, offer a pathway to meaningful careers dedicated to uplifting communities and advancing medical science. Its Raj Soin College of Business is renowned for its excellence, particularly in the area of logistics, holding accreditation and recognition for its industry-relevant curriculum and esteemed faculty.
There’s a range of STEM-designated options to choose from as well — the most popular of which revolve around engineering and computer science. All levels are welcome, considering the Department of Computer Science & Engineering offers a Computer Engineering (B.S.), Computer Science (B.A.), Computer Science (B.S.), Information Technology and Cybersecurity (B.S.), Computer Engineering (M.S.), Computer Science (M.S.), Cyber Security (M.S.), Data Science (M.S.), and a Computer Science and Engineering (Ph.D.).
What all of these programs have in common is accessibility. Wright State University is committed to inclusivity and global engagement, as they have 60 countries represented in their Spring Semester 2024 student population. Recognizing the contributions of international students to its community, the university partnered with the #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship program — providing talented individuals a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study in the U.S.
Since the collaboration, the university has welcomed four outstanding recipients. Hana Habib from Egypt is one of them. “The scholarship is going to enable me to share my culture and learn about new cultures while also pursuing my degree,” says the biomedical engineering student. “It made me feel certain and confident in my decision to study in the U.S.”
Fellow recipient Bahar Resaei, a biological sciences student from Iran, sees it as an opportunity to make a difference in the world. “I believe in the transformative power of education,” she says. “I knew my community’s challenges due to limited access to quality education. This scholarship allows me to pursue my studies and make a difference.”
Indeed, international students are not just welcomed at Wright State University; they’re celebrated, valued and empowered to thrive. So if you’re seeking a global community where you can truly belong, click here to learn more about applications.
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