The Merging of Two Worlds: International Students Speak Out
David Cristancho | September 16, 2021
“You shouldn’t think twice about coming to Warren Wilson, this is a place that helps you to develop your personal skills,” stated Jesús Mendez, a freshman international student from Venezuela, who transferred to Warren Wilson College (WWC) to play basketball this fall.
Jesús Mendez, born in Carácas, Venezuela, is a 21-year-old second semester freshman who has not declared a major yet, but has an interest in business. He plays on the basketball team at Warren Wilson College and loves hiking around campus.
“Everyone cares about you, everyone checks out on you, and everyone tries to make everything easier for you,” said Erdeneshur (Shuree) Ochirbat, a freshman international student from Mongolia, who is majoring in business and with an interest in a music minor.
In this set of interviews, four international students from three different countries, Colombia, Venezuela and Mongolia, talked about their journey to come to Warren Wilson. They discussed why they chose this school, the cultural shocks they experienced and what they think can be improved in regards to international education at WWC. They also touched on academics and how grateful they feel to be able to receive international education.
To kick-off the interview, I would like to ask, what was your first thought when you stepped onto Warren Wilson College campus?
Erdeneshur Ochirbat, born in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, is a 20-year-old freshman. She is majoring in business and has an interest in a music minor. Her nickname is Shuree which uses the last four letters of her name with the addition of two “e’s.”
Paula Castellanos, Colombia: For me it was just different. I was used to living in a big city, so seeing all the nature and how different everything was, that was a shock for me. However, at the same time the mountains reminded me of home, so one can say it was a mix of feelings, but mostly I had a good first impression.
Now, talking about cultural shocks, what was the first one you experienced when coming to the U.S. or when you arrived at WWC?
Paula Castellanos, born in Bogotá, Colombia, is a 20-year-old first semester junior. She is double majoring in psychology and social work. Paula moved to La Guajirá, Colombia when she was about 8 months old to then move to Medellín, Colombia when she was 10 years old.
Andrés Escobar, Colombia: Although the USA has a similar social structure as we do back in Colombia, the little things here seem to matter a lot. Things such as your race, your pronouns and background. Also, how everyone interacts with each other is really different.
Ochirbat: In Mongolia, we do not talk to people, so when people that I didn't even know started to greet me and ask me how I was doing, it was very shocking for me. I’m still trying to adjust to it. However, I really like that people here ask you how you’re doing; it is very easy to start a conversation with someone.
Castellanos: I think that one cultural shock for me was seeing so many Warren Wilson students barefoot. I see this everyday in my classes, and some of them don’t come barefoot to the room, they just take their shoes off while in the room. However, it is still a different culture for me.
To move on and talk about the college specifically, I would like to know what drove you to come to Warren Wilson; why did you choose it?
Andrés Escobar, born in Bogotá, Colombia, is a 19-year-old first semester junior. He is double majoring in social work and psychology, and pursuing a minor in neuroscience. Andrés played on the soccer team at Warren Wilson during his freshman year, since he chose the school due to the athletic program.
Ochirbat: There were many factors that made me choose WWC. The first one was that the college has a very unique educational system, where you have to work and engage in the community as well while you are taking classes. It is a really good experience that allows you to apply what you are learning in classes in real life. The second factor was the nature around campus. I really enjoy walking around campus. Lastly, they offer really good scholarships, and I know that many of my international friends receive high amounts of scholarships which allows them to come to the U.S., so those were the main factors that drove me to come to WWC.
What is something that is very dear to your heart about your process of coming to Warren Wilson?
Mendez: Since the very moment that I decided to come to Warren Wilson, the Global Engagement Office, most specifically Rachel Kerr, and admissions counselor, Dani Hammond, were on top of my process, keeping track of it and helping me with everything I needed.
Escobar: The main people who helped me to get here were the Global Engagement Office, Anna Welton, Rachel Kerr, and Anna Jones, who unfortunately is not here anymore. They have helped me a lot through the years and especially now in times of COVID, they helped me with my work permit to work off-campus and I’m extremely grateful for that.
What is the best thing about Warren Wilson to you?
Mendez: Definitely the people. At least for me, being far away from home, everyone here has made me feel comfortable. The way they have embraced and made me feel part of the community is unique.
Castellanos: I’m very grateful to be here and to know that my professors have gotten to know me as a person rather than just as a student.
In regards to academics, what is the best class you have ever taken at Warren Wilson?
Escobar: I don’t think I have an answer to that question. I would definitely say that one of my psychology classes, probably the one I’m taking this semester, social psychology, I love that class. However, every class has something great to offer and that makes me really grateful to be here, academically speaking.
From your perspective, what is your opinion on international education?
Escobar: For me, international education is everything. You learn culture, you learn languages, you learn from experience, and there’s nothing more valuable than being able to fulfill your education in other countries. Especially here in the U.S. where you have a lot of opportunities for development and for your career. If you know how to navigate the system, get good grades, make connections with your professors, etc. you will succeed. Most definitely, my experience here at Warren Wilson has shaped me into someone I didn’t think I would be.
What do you think can be improved about WWC for international students?
Escobar: I think that student life here in Warren Wilson is based in an American way. It is very clear that each American kid grows up and then moves out when they are 18, most of them have cars and they just move to their “new home” that is basically college. For us, international students, we have to move out of our country, come here and then we are kind of lost. A place like Warren Wilson that is so isolated is difficult to go get groceries, go to the doctor, go run errands. If you need something and you don’t have transportation, it will be difficult for you to move around the city. Therefore, I think WWC needs to improve how students can engage in activities outside of campus because, in order to remain in a good physical and mental state, students need to go out more off the place they live, work and study.
To wrap it up, what would you say to a prospective international student who is looking forward to coming to WWC?
Ochirbat: I would say that if you’re looking for a community, like a family, where you can grow, study, live experiences, work and make friends, Warren Wilson would be the best and perfect fit for you, and hey, if you come here, I’m looking forward to meeting you in person!