Felix Forster ’09

Why did I choose Lafayette College?

When I decided to enroll in Lafayette, I did not know much about the college besides the availability of my intended major, mathematics and economics. In retrospect, however, there are many aspects, which had I known about them, would have made me much more confident about attending Lafayette.

First of all, and most importantly, Lafayette's character as a small liberal arts college makes education the knowledge-seeking journey it ought to be. I can choose classes according to my interests, even though these might lie outside of my major, giving me the opportunity to stay well-rounded while also becoming an expert in a particular field. Also, the small classes allow for close interaction with professors, basically at the level of a friendly relationship. Learning is customized in office hours and clarifications after lectures. The professors respond to my specific questions and thereby help me understand the material, whether it was not understood or simply of personal interest.

Furthermore, the college's size also makes social life also very attractive. I meet friends and people I know on a daily basis in the library, in Farinon Student Center, and in the residence halls.

What do I like about Lafayette and/or my academic major?

Another very valuable aspect about Lafayette is the great possibility to make the college your own. Due to the small size, an individual student's impact on the environment is quite tangible. This made it easy for me to found my own social service program, for instance, as well as get easily immersed in existing organizations. Lafayette provides a microcosm of an academic world, in which everyone can be a significant player.

Advice for international students

The International Students Association provides a solid base on which to start your Lafayette career. Given this strong foundation, it is very much possible as well as advisable to get deeply involved in American culture. While we international students bring unique experiences from our home countries, this environment is new to us, and we should embrace this learning opportunity. I would suggest every incoming student explore Thanksgiving dinners, Greek life, and football games to the fullest to make the Lafayette experience as valuable as possible.

Activities outside the classroom

I play basketball on a regular basis, including intramural games. Additionally, I am a member of the International Students Association, the Foundation for Awareness and Alleviation of Poverty (FAAP), and engage in many activities sponsored by the Office of Intercultural Development.
Most of my time outside of class, however, is spent at a local teen center, where I lead graffiti art workshops as well as an entrepreneurship program called DreamsWork. The link to the Easton community is something that I particularly value, for it provides me with a balance to the closed academic environment on College Hill.

Mevan Jayasinghe ’08

Hometown: Colombo, Sri Lanka
B.S. biology and A.B. economics & business

Why did I choose Lafayette?

I chose Lafayette mainly due to its small size. The size promotes optimal interaction between faculty, students, and administration in order to produce a friendly and congenial environment that is conducive for undergraduate study.

International students may require some time to assimilate to the new environment and the cultural diversity in the United States. The close relationships that are established between incoming freshmen, current students, faculty, and administration at Lafayette help to accelerate this process of adaptation.

Due to its emphasis on diversity, the Lafayette community is characterized by constant exposure to people from a wide range of ethnicities. This helps cultivate respect and tolerance for all cultures, and pushes students out of their "protective shells" into a bigger world.

What do I like about Lafayette and my academic majors?

Lafayette has a strong focus on promoting awareness and understanding of diversity and world cultures, both within the academic environment and outside through numerous extracurricular activities. The administration and faculty are very supportive of the international students on campus and are always willing to assist in their orientation to the college atmosphere and the environment in the U.S.

The International Students Association (ISA), which is one of the strongest student organizations on campus, is quite helpful in assisting incoming freshmen with adapting to the new environment through various social and cultural activities that are organized on campus.

The liberal arts environment allows students to explore multiple interests during their tenure as undergraduate students and helps to narrow down potential career goals. The EXCEL research program, with which I have been involved since my freshman year, is a wonderful opportunity for students to identify their career aspirations through cocurricular research experience with faculty.

Advice for international students

Get involved with as many extracurricular activities as possible while paying adequate attention to your studies. Make use of all the amazing opportunities that are available for you at Lafayette, such as the study abroad programs, EXCEL research, externships, and internships.

Your college life, along with your first exposure to the United States, is bound to be full of challenges. Being unsuccessful in a task does not mean that it is the end of the world. Learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward to achieve your dreams and aspirations.

Activities outside the classroom

Academic
Member, Omicron Delta Epsilon, international economics honor society, 2007-present
EXCEL Scholar, Department of Economics & Business, 2006–07
EXCEL Scholar, Department of Biology, 2005-06
Member, Lafayette College National Fed Challenge Team, 2006 and 2007

Extracurricular
Lafayette Leadership Intern, Lafayette Leadership Education Committee, 2006-present
Chair, Aaron O. Hoff Awards Committee, 2007
Member, Trustees Committee on Educational Policy, 2007-present
Student Executive, International Alumni Committee, 2006-present
President, International Students Association (ISA), 2006-07
(First junior elected to the position formally held by senior.)
Vice President, International Students Association (ISA), 2005-06
(First sophomore student elected to the position formally held by senior.)
Vice President, Asian Cultural Association, 2005-06
Member, Tsunami Relief Committee, 2004-05
Lafayette College Theatre, The Education of Miss Asia, 2006
Resident, HOLA, Spanish living group, 2006-07
Resident, El Mundo, international living group, 2005-06
Farinon Night Manager, 2006-present
Office Assistant, Biology Department, 2004-present  

Maria Mitova ’09

Hometown: Sofia, Bulgaria
Majors: A.B. economics & business and international affairs

Why did I choose Lafayette?

I went to an American high school in Sofia, Bulgaria, and Lafayette has a very good reputation in my school. Prior to my coming here, I talked to some of the international students here and I got very positive feedback. I was highly impressed by the special care of Janine Block, our international adviser, and by the opportunity to talk to faculty and administrators even before I got here. They were all very responsive and helped me with a lot of difficulties.

Last, but not least, Lafayette is very attractive because it values the high performance of international students and grants them financial aid according to their needs. Even though I don't have the financial means to even think about a prestigious expensive school like Lafayette, the college made sure that money is not my concern.

What do I like about Lafayette and/or my academic major?

I like the fact that all professors at Lafayette are open, accessible, and very approachable. I have never felt intimidated asking a question in class or looking for advice from my professors. Everyone in this school, from the part-time professors to the president, is very flexible and ready to help.

I am double majoring in economics and business and international affairs and I am very happy with the courses, teaching techniques, and research opportunities available in these departments. The professors recognize our skills and efforts and they are the ones offering us EXCEL research opportunities and recommending us for internship or fellowship programs.

Finally, I think Lafayette has a very well developed alumni network and this is of incredible help when students start looking for a job. At one of my semester internships at the Soros Economic Development Fund in New York City, I met a Lafayette alumnus who was always looking after me and informing me of new opportunities for summer work.

Advice for international students

I would advise the international students to explore and take advantage of every opportunity that Lafayette offers, all the way from career advice to academic assistance and leadership opportunities. Get involved in clubs, learn to be responsible, and feel the satisfaction of making your own project come true. Lafayette has enough resources for everything you might want to do, so it's just a matter of enthusiasm and organization.

Finally, the people here are great, so one should always try to balance between social life and school. In the beginning, I was a little skeptical if I would be able to adapt to the American lifestyle and to become friends with the American students, but once you get over that fear, you feel special, not different. My American friends are actually curious to learn more about my country, my language and my culture, and so am I about theirs. Therefore, don’t be afraid and to get intimidated in the beginning when people don't understand and say “Excuse me?” to everything you say. They eventually learn to listen harder and decipher your accent.

Activities outside the classroom
International Affairs Club, president
DreamsWork project: Microfinance for Easton Youth, team leader
Wine Society, treasurer
International Students Association, peer adviser, sports coordinator
French residential floor in Keefe Hall, president
Member: Foundation for Allocation and Alleviation of Poverty, club volleyball, club table tennis, economics club, investment club, United Nations club, Synchromotion dance club

On-campus work:
Fitness assistant, Kirby Sports Center
Library assistant, Kirby Government and Law Library
EXCEL research assistant with Robert Weiner, Jones Professor of History
Student tutor for calculus, macroeconomics, statistics, Spanish, French, and international politics

Chiquita Palha De Sousa '08

Hometown: Harare, Zimbabwe
Majors: A.B. art and B.S. biology

Why did I choose Lafayette?

Coming from Zimbabwe I was nervous about being overwhelmed in a large, busy city in the United States. I wanted a relaxed environment to live and study in and Lafayette's location in Easton seemed ideal for that. I was also attracted to Lafayette for its size. As a small liberal arts college, Lafayette has an excellent student-to-faculty ratio and with that comes opportunities for personal interaction with professors whether it’s in the classroom, during office hours, or in the hallway on the way to class.

Another significant factor in my decision to apply to Lafayette was the financial aid available for international students. Without this, I would never have been able to study in America. Finally, my brother, who is a year older than me, was studying electrical & computer engineering and music at Lafayette and his positive account of the academics and student life encouraged me to apply for early decision to Lafayette. 

What do I like about Lafayette?

I love the closeness of the Lafayette community particularly that of the international students. The International Students Association (ISA) becomes your family away from home. You meet students from all over the world who experience the same challenges of living and learning in a foreign country. The ISA is very welcoming and organizes various events to promote cultural exchange and education between American and international students.

As the head international peer adviser last year, I appreciate Lafayette's personalized approach for welcoming international freshmen to help them with their transition to life in the U.S. Part of this initiative includes assigning host parents to international students. I am extremely grateful for my host parent. If I ever need anything she's always there to help me out, invite me to her home during the holidays, or have my birthday dinner at her house!

As a premedical student, I have found the Health Professions Advisory Committee to be very supportive and encouraging throughout my application process. Career Services has also been helpful in providing internship and externship opportunities to gain exposure in healthcare settings. It was through an alumni connection that I had an amazing opportunity to do clinical research and observe surgery at Duke University Medical Center this past summer. I also did an externship in public health in January this year.

Lafayette also has wonderful study abroad opportunities. I studied in London in summer 2006 where I took a class and did an internship in the pediatric ward of a hospital in London. Studying abroad (even though I'm already abroad) was an amazing experience that I highly recommend!

What do I like about my academic major?

I am really pleased that I decided to double major in biology (B.S.) and art (A.B.). Both departments have been wonderful to work with. The small student-to-faculty ratio really enables you to get to know your professors well. The faculty are always willing to help you with any academic difficulties, and their doors are always open for a chat about research opportunities, grad schools, or career possibilities.

For an undergraduate institution, Lafayette has excellent research opportunities. I have taken advantage of these as an EXCEL scholar in summer 2005, and more recently by doing an honors thesis in biology this year. I have enjoyed my biology courses tremendously, particularly because of the enthusiasm of my professors and the way they challenge me to think and apply my knowledge, instead of just memorizing facts.

The art department is small, passionate, and very much focused on student-learning. You can always count on getting individual attention and input from your professors. I enjoy the freedom I am given in the studio art classes to discover and experiment under the guidance and encouragement of my professors. This semester I'm doing an independent study in painting. One of my pieces is due to be shown in a student exhibition.

Advice for international students

Get involved on campus. It's the best way to meet people with similar interests and also helps you feel less homesick. Also take advantage of the American liberal arts system. Take classes outside your major. Challenge yourself. Try new things—you might just find something you love! Also remember to be open-minded. College is a great opportunity to learn from others through cultural exchange. It's also a time for self discovery and personal growth. Enjoy it!

Activities outside the classroom

I'm the president of SynchroMotion, Lafayette's student-run dance club, which is currently in its third year. I served as secretary for its first two years. Our main events of the year are the "So You Think You Can Dance?” contest in the fall and the "Spring Performance" in Williams Center for the Arts, which features student choreography. In addition to coordinating practices, my involvement in the club includes performing, teaching classes, and choreographing.

I'm the head student facility supervisor for recreation services at Kirby Sports Center. I've been working at the gym since my freshmen year and after being an assistant supervisor for two years, I'm now in charge of the facility’s student staff, which includes more than forty employees and three assistant supervisors.

I'm involved in the Newman Association as discussion co-chair and I sing every Sunday in the Newman Association church choir.

I'm the events coordinator for ACACIA (African Creating African Consciousness and Interest Abroad). Our major events are an African Bazaar night and our third annual Conference on Africa.

I volunteer for Kids at Third Street through Landis Community Outreach Center, tutor organic chemistry, and take beginner flute lessons with Susan Charlton in the music department.

I'm also a member of Phi Beta Kappa national honorary society, International Students Association, Lafayette's African and Caribbean Students Association, and Asian Cultural Association.

Martha Were ’09

Hometown: Kampala, Uganda
B.S. chemical engineering

Why did I choose Lafayette?

I chose Lafayette because I felt it was a perfect fit for me. I was looking for a small college where I would have the opportunity to be significantly involved both academically and socially. I felt this would be ideal since I would be far from home and did not want to be lost in a multitude of students.

I wanted to pursue an engineering degree and Lafayette has a strong engineering program in a small liberal arts college. As an engineering major, I have had the opportunity to take classes in other disciplines. I believe engineers educated in a liberal arts system make for well-rounded professionals.
Lafayette also provided adequate financial support to help me pursue my degree.

What do I like about Lafayette and/or my academic major?

Coming to Lafayette as an international student, I appreciated the measures put in place to help international students. They went beyond expectations in welcoming me through the International Students Organization. I was picked up from the airport, had international peer advisers to help and answer any questions I might have, and an international student adviser in addition to my academic adviser to help me with issues concerning studying in the U.S.

The Lafayette community also aims for and appreciates diversity. Cultural learning here is a two-way street. You learn about the American social culture, history and politics, and you have the opportunity to share about your country during various events throughout the academic year.

Also, the small class size allows better interaction between professors and students. There are no TA-taught classes and professors always have office hours for individual consultation.

Chemical engineering is a challenging but well-rounded major. The academic schedule requires that you take classes in other disciplines. It is also flexible enough that I have the opportunity to take a minor in economics and business. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to participate in a faculty-led semester abroad program in Germany. Most engineering programs in other colleges do not have a semester abroad portion because students will fall behind in their curriculum. I did not fall behind in my curriculum because the Lafayette semester abroad program I participated in was created specifically for engineering and science majors. I enjoyed and learned a lot from my study abroad experience.

Finally, since Lafayette is for undergraduates only, I have had the opportunity to do research with two of my professors. In most universities research is open only to graduate students.

Advice for international students:

When choosing a college, don’t fall short of your expectations. When I was searching for colleges to apply to, I thought I couldn’t possibly find the college that would meet all of my expectations. However, I came across Lafayette College and it was a perfect fit.

Activities:

Currently, I am part of the International Students Association (ISA) board as the head international peer adviser (helping the class of 2011 feel as welcome within the Lafayette community).

Other clubs I participate in are:
Lafayette Christian Fellowship
LEAP (the environmental group on campus)
AIChE student chapter (chemical engineers association).

I also coordinate the Kids at Third Street program through the Landis Community Outreach Center.