An insight into the international student experience through ASIGS panel
October 9, 2023 | Kate Malazonia
Publications Writer, The Graduate College
Being an international student in the American higher education system comes with many unprecedented challenges. Whether a student misses the comfort of being home, is struggling to meet the demands of academia, or is trying to build new relationships, there are bound to be trials and tribulations around every corner. Fortunately, challenges can also be seen as opportunities for growth and learning.
In collaboration with the International Student and Scholar Services office, The Graduate College created an initiative called, “Academic Success for International Graduate Students” (ASIGS) to provide a learning resource for international students who are transitioning into graduate school at Texas State. The self-paced online Canvas course is an attempt to address academic etiquette within the framework of the U.S. higher education system. This Fall, the ASIGS Live Panel event, consisting of students and faculty panelists, focused on providing tips and resources to allow students to be successful throughout their graduate program.
ASIGS Panelists
The event featured a prominent group of panelists, each dedicated to their field of study, and with much wisdom to offer to international graduate students. Panelists included the following members:
Dr. Nikoleta Theodoropoulou, Associate Professor of Physics and Graduate Director, Department of Physics
Dr. Theodoropoulou is originally from Greece where she earned a B.S. in Physics. After traveling to the United States for graduate school, she earned a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Florida in 2002 and subsequently, two postdocs: one at MIT and another at Michigan State University. Dr. Theodoropoulou joined Texas State in 2008 as an Assistant Professor in Physics and her research focuses on nanomaterials.
Blanca V. Estevez Posadas, Ph.D., Developmental Education
An international student from Mexico completing a Ph.D. in Developmental Education. Blanca gained a bachelor’s degree in food chemistry and a master's degree in Materials Science from the University of the State of Mexico, as well as a master’s degree in chemistry from Texas State University. Blanca’s research focuses on creating just, equitable, and supportive environments in STEM classrooms to serve underrepresented students better.
Keiko Suyama, M.Ed., Student Affairs in Higher Education
An international student from Japan in her second year of the Student Affairs in Higher Education program. Keiko was a university administrator in student and academic affairs at Hiroshima University, Japan. She found supporting students, especially international graduate students, very rewarding and decided to pursue her master’s degree in student affairs at TXST.
Maria Sultana, M.S., Engineering (Concentration: Electrical Engineering)
An international student from Bangladesh in her second year of the Engineering program. Maria completed her B.S. degree in electrical engineering from a prominent engineering university back in Bangladesh. She is a member of the “Advanced Micro/Nano Materials and Device Lab”. Her research focuses fabrication and characterization of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamonds for high-power device applications.
Neelam Thapa Magar, M.S. Sustainability Studies, Department of Sociology
An international student from Nepal in her second year of the Sustainability Studies program. Neelam’s first master’s degree was in Human and Natural Resources Studies from Kathmandu University, Nepal. Neelam is interested in topics related to human-environment relations, environmental issues, and climate change communication.
Highlights from the Panel
Upon being asked many questions, the ASIGS panel did not disappoint, offering enriching and insightful answers. The Graduate College has summarized the key highlights from their answers below.
“What do you miss the most about your home country?”
“I miss the down-to-earth, closer-to-nature upbringing that I was blessed with. Also, the annual festivities like Eid, Puja, and Independence Day, … were full of joy, color, food, hospitality, and unity”, said Maria about Bangladesh. Blanca - from Mexico - emphasized how she missed “the delicious lamb barbacoa tacos and lots of different regional flavors of ice cream…such as guava, guanabana, mamey, tamarind, zapote, and many more.” She added that she also missed the traditions and festivities in her hometown of Metepec.
Having come to the United States from Hiroshima, Japan, Keiko claimed she often misses “the smell of the ocean and the view of tiny islands floating on the serene inland sea” as well as “riding on a local train that goes along the coast.” Neelam highlighted what she misses about her hometown of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal saying, “the comforting presence of my family, my home, my language, the traditional food, and the view of the majestic mountains.” Hailing from Athens, Greece, Dr. Theodoropoulou said she often misses her “immediate and extended family” as well as “the Mediterranean Sea.”
“If you go back in time to before you became an international student, what advice would you give to yourself?”
“Start early and do it a little bit each day… I started keeping a logbook where I would write reminders on what tasks if I do not start right away will make me suffer in the eleventh hour”, exclaimed Maria as she explained that building organizational skills early on was essential for her success academically. On the other hand, Blanca looked back on a tough decision she had to make to change her career path. “Nothing is written in stone”, she explained. “We can make all the necessary changes to pursue our dreams, and here at Texas State, there are many opportunities to do it.” She emphasized how “it is crucial to get to know your university” to maximize your potential.
Keiko highlighted the importance of getting involved in the campus community saying, “I was so determined to focus on my academic study that I missed a lot of opportunities to get to know other students. The more people you know on campus, the more you feel you belong.”
When it comes to giving advice, Dr. Theodoropoulou’s was clear and simple, “Ask questions and then ask some more questions. If you don’t get answers or do not comprehend the answers, ask more questions, or ask more people.” Lastly, Neelam emphasized the need for strong financial preparations as “studying and living abroad can be more expensive than one might anticipate.”
“What resources (TXST or Graduate College) are the most important to know about to be successful as an international student?”
Blanca began her answer by highlighting how much of an “outstanding experience” she had with the External Funding team at the Graduate College. She went on saying, “…they let me know that I had the qualifications to apply for the PEO international Fellowship. They not only contacted me, but they helped me during the entire process of application to the submission deadline. Thanks to them, I was awarded the scholarship, and then they even helped me with the post-awardee process.” Similarly, Maria described “the consultations provided by the Graduate College” as “the best thing that I was blessed with here at TXST.”
Keiko emphasized how she constantly uses the information from “different offices on campus such as seminars, workshops, and scholarship opportunities.” She further explained by saying, “Paying close attention to this information is particularly important for international students because there are some opportunities, we never thought there would be due to the cultural and institutional differences from our home countries.”
Lastly, Neelam described the Alkek Library as being “a valuable resource for research and study materials.” She highlighted the importance of the International Student and Scholar Services as a resource saying, “…it can be a huge support center for all visa and immigration-related matters.” When it comes to personal growth at Texas State, Neelam referenced “career counseling, mental health support, and opportunities to be a part of various student organizations” as being key to improving her overall university experience.
Why is Academic Success for International Students so Important?
As part of the university’s Run to R1 initiative, Texas State has invested in the growth of its graduate programs which naturally brings increased interest from prospective students and researchers abroad. In fact, Texas State set a record of 951 international students admitted in fall 2023, an increase of 230 since the previous year highlighting how the international student population at Texas State is actively growing.
Going forward, The Graduate College will hold a panel session with graduate students called “Ready. Steady. Go” as part of a collaboration with International Student and Scholar Services for International Student Orientation. Additionally, The Graduate College will continue to offer the ASIGS Canvas site to educate students.
To learn more about the services offered to international students, please visit the Student Resources page on the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) website.