Student ambassadors are helping the University of Southern Mississippi expand its international presence as enrollment climbs.
While starting college can be stressful for many students, international students often feel the pressure first-hand. The University’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office helps students enroll, register, and adapt to campus life.
Last semester, USM enrolled 825 international students and welcomed 248 more this fall. The ISSS office currently has 25 student ambassadors, including Sanjida Islam, a senior from Bangladesh.
“At first, I was nervous about whether I would belong here. But once I settled in, USM really became my home away from home,” Islam said.
She said the number of ambassadors has grown over the years, noting there were not as many in the past. She believes the increase is crucial to supporting the international student experience.
Islam said she wanted to change that experience for others. She communicates with new students through the Unibuddy app, which allows them to connect with her before their arrival and helps ease their comfort level.
Even though her experience lacked guidance, Islam said she built friendships through international student organizations and social events, which helped her gain confidence during her first year away from home.
“College itself is such a unique and formative experience, and I believe international students should get the full experience, and even more. Helping them feel welcomed and supported makes all the difference,” Islam said.
Most students also utilize ISSS for the legal registration process, according to Nepal native Nischit Sharma.
Sharma, a junior computer science major, said he is grateful to ISSS for helping him study at USM. He said staff members aided him with virtual class registration and provided guidance on legal matters, including visa access for international students.
“One time I got mail from the IRS saying I haven’t paid my taxes—which I had—and I went to the ISSS, and they helped clear any issues with the IRS,” Sharma said. “I definitely recommend people to stay in touch with them during the admissions period and even after.”
Like Islam, Sharma also recalled attending social events and meeting new people. Those connections helped him secure a job on campus at the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center as an editor and videographer.
He added that his experience at USM has reshaped his view of the southern United States.
“Southern hospitality is definitely a big thing, and it motivates you to interact with the people here,” Sharma said.
The student ambassador said she has learned about different cultures while socializing on campus, as well as responsibility and diligence from her professors.
“USM does a great job bringing people together from different cultures and backgrounds, creating a space where we can learn from one another,” Islam said.
According to the Office of International Admissions, undergraduate and graduate applications are open year-round, while student ambassador applications are available at the end of the spring semester.
For more information, visit the International Student and Scholar Services office or email [email protected]