# # #     MEET THE STUDENT    # # #

Hi! My name is Emma Howard. I am pictured here on the right with my roommate Laura I am from Leighton Buzzard, England and I have been studying at GSW for two years. I am an English major and am here on a tennis scholarship. I know as well as anyone how daunting it can be starting university; add on top of that studying in a strange country and the task seems terrifying. Well, it doesn't have to be.

GSW has provided me with a safe base, great friends and endless opportunities. As an international student at GSW, I know that there will always be someone there to help. The International Student Association (ISA) provides a great link to the rest of the university.

# # #    LIFE ON CAMPUS    # # #

So, want to know what goes on here at GSW for international students? The answer is lots. There are many activities throughout the year, such as International Week, international parties, trips to Six flags and much more. You don't have to take a word for it though. Here are some other students to tell you about it.

South American Connections

Joao Clemnetti is from San Paulo, Brazil and has been attending Georgia Southwestern for just under 2 years. He is majoring in Computer Information Systems. "When I first came here," Joao says "I hardly spoke a word of English but just talking with native speakers improved my language skills in a matter of weeks."

Joao found the international body of students to be very friendly and helpful. "Whenever I needed anything the new friends I made were always there to help." He admits that most of his friends consist of foreign students but that's because, "we all have something in common and seem to get along so well."

Joao doesn't always have time to attend all the events organized by the ISA because he leads "such a busy life" but explains when he does "he always has fun." The Brazilian even goes as far to say that the international students are the only ones who know how to throw a good party. "I won't tell you what we get up to," Joao says, "or I may get into trouble."

European Connections

Sandie Charmeteau (center) is from France and came to GSW in January 1999. She says, "I only came to GSW recently, but I have made lots of friends from all over the world. It's a great opportunity."

Sandie is from Normandy and is here on a scholarship for tennis. "I was nervous about coming here at first", Sandie admits, "but as soon as I got here I felt at home. The people here are so friendly and welcoming, and it's not just the international ones." Sandie says she enjoys the activities organized by the ISA, such as International Week. "The best part was eating the food from all the different countries." she says.

# # #    WHAT AMERICANS THINK OF US?   # # #

Jennifer Tucker (pictured on the left with Louise Greig from Canada) is a native Georgia girl and says she "loves having international students at GSW." Jen has a number of international friends and confesses that "they are real cool to hang out with." She often attends the international events and thinks it is "a great way to learn about different countries and their cultures."

Jen is happy that now whenever she travels she will always have somewhere to stay.