Celebrating International Students at ChathamU
International Students Day is observed worldwide on November 17th. Though the day started as a way to commemorate international students persecuted during WWII, today we observe International Students Day as a way to celebrate the vibrance of our multicultural world and the international students who come to live, learn, and share their experiences in the US. Chatham University has a myriad of international programs tailored to meet students’ needs, from our English Language Program to the Chatham Semester and more.
You can explore our full international program offerings here, but before you do, check out our interviews with Hina Nishiyama and Marwa Rahim, two international students studying here at ChathamU.
What made you decide to come to Chatham as an international student?
Hina Nishiyama
(she/her)
Home country: Japan
Hina Nishiyama: To be honest, I was thinking of going to another university, but it was canceled due to the pandemic. So I gotta look for a university again and while searching, the architecture and the atmosphere of Chatham university caught my eye.
Marwa Rahim: In my home country, I studied seven semesters of medicine. Unfortunately, after my country's government collapsed by the Taliban, I become a refugee in the United States of America and currently I am taking English academic classes at Chatham university. My goal is to finish the English academic classes at Chatham university and the pathways to apply for biology and science as my major for pre-med.
As an international student I had the choice to choose a good pathway and a place to start over, I chose Chatham university, and I found this place unique and special. As far as I start my English classes at Chatham university, and I am living on campus I see the diversity and the promotion of international students' community here which is important for me.
What surprised you about being a student here, in the USA in general or at Chatham specifically?
Hina: In general, the tempo of conversation is very fast compared to Japan. And they often speak their own opinion quickly against the question from a professor.
I feel like students are more independent and cherish their own time.
I was surprised that so many people always hold the door for a person behind you.
And the most surprising thing is that the speed of leaving a class is too fast after finishing a class.
As for Chatham university, the relationship between a professor and students is very close and easy to talk with a professor.
Chatham students and professors are so kind and considerate.
A charger station is amazing. So helpful.
Marwa: As I came from a small country with no diversity and not a high level of educational opportunities, especially for women, where I can see the percentage of women’s community is incredibly high and upside which is interesting to me.
Would you recommend Chatham to your fellow international students?
Hina: If you wanna have a close relationship with both friends and professors, Chatham university might be very good. And also if you are looking for a cozy, relaxed, and quiet atmosphere for studying, Chatham has everything to meet your desire.
Marwa Rahim
(she/her)
Home country: Afghanistan
Marwa: I would recommend Chatham university to all international students who want to study abroad and chase their dreams and goals it is a wonderful opportunity for them to join the Chatham family and it is a place for everyone it doesn’t matter where are you from or what is your nationality, your religion, skin color you’ll find the diversity and a place to achieve whatever you want.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Hina: I really wanna emphasize people including students and professors are so amazing.
They are so kind and always help me when I’m in a difficulty with English.
I love the beautiful nature at Chatham university. The beautiful nature especially the colored leaves always gives me positive energy.
Marwa: I would like to thank everyone who helped me in my journey way so far at Chatham university.
A big thank you to Marwa and Hina for sharing their experiences with us. If you’re an international student, click here to explore our many programs and offerings. If you’re from the US and are looking to see the world while you learn, check out study abroad opportunities here.