Undergraduate Admissions

Mohammed Albalawi

Country: Saudi Arabia
Major: Respiratory Care

Why did you decide to study in the USA?
The decision of coming to the USA was not really hard for me because once I determined my goals. I wish to understand both the cultures of the people and the education system here.

Why did you select WCU?
Firstly, it might be interesting to note that knowing and an applying for WCU was quite an accident while I was confused in selecting a university. After knowing the university, I was attracted by having a variety of subjects, particularly my major which is respiratory care. In addition, the wonderful background of faculties and the well-equipped laboratories encouraged me to apply for the university.

What do you like best about WCU?
This is hard to answer because selecting just one matter and setting aside others is not easy. But the most valuable point of WCU to me, after a year, is undoubtedly the helpful, friendly and approachable professors. It is no question that they play a big role in helping me progress in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

What challenges have you faced?
What I am going to write to answer this question can be both positive and negative. WCU has very few Arab students. This has challenged me in some cases because there has been no Arab peer give me some ideas of the system, materials and general tips studying at WCU. On the other hand, it can be considered as a positive point because I have had to deal and communicate with Americans and other nationalities. This does increase my communication skill, English language, and culture.

What extracurricular activities or work experience have you had at WCU?
The cultural activities run by the university have been amazing during my time. The multicultural programs I have attended expanded my relationships with people from diverse cultures. Without such a program, I would not have as many international friends as I have today.

Have you utilized any offices or services on campus and if so, how have they helped you?
There are a number of offices and services I have used during this first year. Above all, I can mention the International Office. It has been quite helpful for all documents and papers needed to travel back to my country as well as for giving me advice on visa applications and the other issues. Also, the staff in Registrar's Office as well as the Library have helped me a lot both educationally and personally.

What advice would you give an incoming international student?
Being an international student is quite accepted by almost all people and staff of WCU and in particular the International Office. So, my biggest recommendation is to not hesitate to ask any questions from the office or of others in case of any problems.

Monika Overdevest

Country: Norway
Major: Psychology

Why did you decide to study in the USA?
After my military service in Norway, I missed being a student but did not want to study in Norway because I had already done 13 years of school there. I applied to American College of Norway so I could make an easy transfer to a University in the USA for my bachelor degree. The last 4 years I have moved to 4 different countries, I just had to continue on that road. Learning a new culture, meeting new people and studying at the same time was just too tempting to turn down.

Why did you select WCU?
​I chose WCU because it was a partner university to ACN, so it was a safe and easy transfer. However, even though I could have applied to whatever university in the US I wanted, I still picked WCU because I wanted to experience a place in the USA I probably never would have chosen if I just were to go here for vacation.

What do you like best about WCU?
The people, they are just pure fun! Everything is within walking distance which is convenient when you don't have a car. And the school is just big enough for always running into people you know but also getting to know new faces.

What challenges have you faced?
Financially, could not have made it without support from the Norwegian student support system. And language barriers when it comes to science classes, such as math, biology and physics. It takes a little extra time to translate and understand both definitions and concept of the material.

What extracurricular activities or work experience have you had at WCU?
As soon as I got here I applied for a job at the RockWall, I have learned so much from the people I work with and they soon became my family here in the USA. Having a job here also keeps me busy when there is little studying for exams. Aside from that I go to the gym, play soccer and go on adventures to visit my friends living in other states.

Have you utilized any offices or services on campus and if so, how have they helped you?
I had to use the Registrar's Office a couple of times to approve that all my credits transferred correctly, and of course the student advisors have been very helpful to guide me the right direction for my major, he has even helped me so I can graduate a semester earlier.

What advice would you give an incoming international student?
Expect nothing but appreciate everything. Get involved, and be prepared for a great college experience with tons of memories and friends for life!

Maxwell Adarkwah

Hometown: Ghana
Major: Economics and Finance

Why did you decide to study in the USA?
I decided to study in the USA because I wanted to pursue a higher education without having to quit playing sports. The U.S I think is the best in incorporating sports with education at a higher level.

Why did you select WCU?
​Soccer played a big role in my college decision-making process. I attended The Phelps School not too far away from WCU and was encouraged by some teachers, who graduated from WCU, to go visit the campus. Though WCU wasn't one of the schools I was being recruited by, I decided to take a tour of the campus and I made my decision that day.

What do you like best about WCU?
What I like most about WCU is that it is right in the heart of West Chester. I love to eat, so having a variety of locations around campus to get food without having to eat from the school cafeteria everyday gives me great joy.

What challenges have you faced?
Besides occasionally getting homesick, missing classes due to sporting events sometimes makes it tough to stay on top of things and submit assignments on time.

What extracurricular activities or work experience have you had at WCU?
In addition to playing soccer for WCU, I tutor Calculus to fellow undergrads at the LARC.

Have you utilized any offices or services on campus and if so, how have they helped you?
Centre of International Programs is the office I had interacted the most with right from the beginning. The members of the office are very generous, concerned and very responsive. They have helped me with all the paper work required, conducted events and workshops for us. They have always been very helpful.

What advice would you give an incoming international student?
These four years come by very quickly, don't waste them in your room watching Netflix.