During Admitted Student Week, February 28—March 4, Admissions hosted an International Current Student Panel. In the session, panelists were invited to share a picture they took since they arrived in Chicago that brings back fond memories. We enjoyed their responses so much that we wanted to share them with you.

a group of students gather to watch the Cricket World Cup
A group of students gather to watch the Cricket T20 World Cup

“This is me with a group of friends watching the India vs. Pakistan cricket game in the Cricket T20 World Cup, which happened last year. Cricket is hugely popular in both countries, and almost everyone irrespective of age, gender, and profession would watch this game back home. I have never missed a cricket game between India and Pakistan since my childhood, and I am glad to have found this amazing group at Harris who made this happen here, far away from home.”

—Omkar Kandukuri, MPP Class of 2023
Students gather for a ski trip at Bittersweet Resort in Michigan
Students gather in a rental house at a skiing/snowboarding trip at Bittersweet Resort in Michigan

“There’s a lot of fun stuff to do here during the winter. Two weeks ago, we went to Bittersweet Resort in Michigan on a ski trip for the entire weekend. Nineteen Latino students, mostly first years, went snowboarding and skiing together. We rented two houses close by each other, and we just had the best time. Many of us are old friends, but we got to become closer with some people that we didn’t know as well.”

—Andrea Mariño Varela, MPP Class of 2023
International food spread on table for thanksgiving celebration
International foods on the table at a student Thanksgiving celebration

“This was my first Chicago Thanksgiving celebration. The majority of us who went to the event were actually international students. People cooked dishes and played music from our home countries. I know it’s an American holiday, and one of the hosts was actually an American student, but it felt like an international experience for me. I find it fascinating how international students, no matter where we go, no matter what event it is, we always make it international. In a short period of time, we built a family and support system that made this city a home away from home.”

—Deqa Aden, MPP Class of 2023

Read Deqa’s Harris student profile.

A view of the Chicago skyline
A view of the Chicago skyline

“I can often be found either studying or staring at the sky in Chicago. I really love the view from Hyde Park. It’s like you are studying for the whole day, and then you look up to the sky or to the city, you see that beautiful skyline, and the Metra passing by slowly. It’s very rewarding.”

— Linhan Jiang, MPP Class of 2023

Read more about, and connect with, international students on the Harris Ambassador page.

 

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