Contact: Dr. Donna M. Simon (304) 766-3363 dsimon@wvstateu.edu
INSTITUTE, W.Va. – A new International Student Center recently opened on the campus of West Virginia State University.
Located at 200 Curtis Complex, the Center serves as a gathering place for the international students who attend WVSU.
M.D. Rahman, president of the International Student Association at WVSU, said that he hopes the Center will serve as a home away from home for those who have traveled so far to continue their studies in West Virginia.
“We want to highlight how truly diverse this campus is,” said Dr. Ali Ziyati, coordinator of WVSU’s International Studies Programs. “We also like to learn and share our cultural taste with each other and with our community.” The opening of the Center is one of several actions taken at WVSU recently to promote and encourage international students to study in Institute.
In January, an orientation session for international students was held as classes resumed for the spring semester. This was the first such orientation.
“We wanted to take time to welcome our new international students and ensure that they have meaningful experiences at WVSU and in West Virginia,” Ziyati said.
The Center is an extension of that mission, giving international students a place to gather and converse, or to simply check the international football scores, Ziyati added.
It will also give international students a place to plan to get to know their new surroundings better.
“I have spoken to many students who would like to experience other facets of what West Virginia has to offer,” Rahman said.
One of the first outings organized for international students will take place this Saturday, Feb. 16, as students will be stepping out from the WVSU campus to tour the state capitol building and culture center before taking in lunch at Charleston’s Bluegrass Kitchen.
Other activities for international students will take place throughout the semester.
The International Student Center is open Monday-Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m.; Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Friday from noon to 2 p.m.