Most students on campus have experienced it countless times before: the classic rise and fall of the school day. A mundane commute to class, a cozy lunch around a coffee table, perhaps a wave of relief at the end of that last lecture. The familiarity of routine and tradition weighed down like a blanket of reassurance around your shoulders. Even if today doesn’t go perfect, tomorrow will be more of the same old day to shape into something you’re proud of. It’d be easy to assume this is a universal experience at Schoolcraft College— but the reality isn’t that simple, and is better off because of it.
International students on campus
“This fall we welcomed 75 international students,” said Laura LeVoie Leshok, Director of International Student Center at Schoolcraft. “It’s a huge percentage increase from last year,” said Leshok, bringing the total number of enrolled international students at Schoolcraft to around 275 from cultures around the world. “A lot of schools have pockets of students, maybe a lot from one or two countries … We’re lucky to have students from nearly 50 different countries.” These students bring a variety of unique perspectives and skills to campus: new ideas, celebrations of faith, customs, and generation-long traditions that domestic students may never have the chance to experience again.
These students choose to come to Schoolcraft for a variety of different reasons, Leshok explained. “We have quite a few international soccer players on the Schoolcraft team, they bring a different type of game to soccer than a domestic student. There’s also a lot of transfers from four year schools.” Community colleges aren’t well known in foreign countries, she continued. Many students arrive at a large school, believing it’s their only choice for premium American education. If the experience isn’t positive for them, a relocation to Schoolcraft College provides new tools for success on a less overwhelming campus.
Struggles in a new world
The trials international students face are just as varied as their cultures, Leshok expressed. ‘Standard’ struggles remain: stress, friendships, difficult classes; all compounded by issues like food insecurity, homesickness and the challenges of understanding a new culture. Activities locals view as second nature, like counting coins, navigating around semi trucks on the road; they can be massive hurdles for students experiencing America for the first time.
“One of the hardest things for international students,” said Leshok, “is the lack of public transportation here, which many of them are accustomed to in their countries.” After all, Detroit is the automobile capital of the world— local custom dictates owning and maintaining your own vehicle; something a great deal of international students are not in a position to do. The shortage of transportation leads many to less than ideal scenarios; arriving at school early and leaving late.
Most oppressive of the hurdles faced are the crushing expectations. The American immigrant experience has never been an easy one. Moving to the United States often necessitates a massive amount of money, paperwork, and time. It’s a massive investment for international students and their families. For many, coming to America is viewed as a promise for a better life. The demand to fulfill that promise in a way accepted by both the unfamiliar local culture and family back home can be incredibly draining.
The International Student Space and how to get involved
Schoolcraft College has made massive strides in welcoming and supporting the international community. Few projects better exemplify this than the International Student Space, which Leshok manages.
“We got our new space in the McDowell Center a couple years back … we realized there was a need for the international students to have a hang out space of their own,” said Leshok. The space was ideal for this, Leshok explained, because of its proximity to Schoolcraft’s introductory ESL classes that many foreign students are required to take. The center has been outfitted with a computer, whiteboards, puzzles, games and lots of space for students to socalize. Additionally, it’s equipped with snacks, blankets and other necessities to combat the various insecurities and shortages that internationals can face.
The International Student Space currently has a modest number of patrons, six to ten a day, according to Leshok, but newcomers are always welcome.
“We hope that traffic will continue and students will continue to use the space to collaborate with each other,” said Leshok.
Leshok continued to explain that the space is available for all students, even domestic ones. The best part of any international program is the cultural exchange it enables. Domestic students are as much a part of this as internationals.
The International Student Space is provided by the college, but community contributions are always appreciated. Students often come to Schoolcraft from foreign nations with very few possessions. Moving to America often requires putting your entire life in a suitcase; everyday items simply don’t all make the trip.
Household items like shampoo, dishes, towels, blankets, and clothes can add up to a hefty sum, leading some internationals to cut corners and scrape by with less than they deserve. Leshok recalled a recent donation of pillows– gone in an instant. The items international students go without aren’t always obvious.
Creative donations and unique supplies can have a tremendous impact; any items can be dropped off at the space Monday through Friday.
Leshok emphasizes, however, that the best resource for international students on campus is you. “Get out there, come to the International Student Center. Go to events like the Multicultural Fair. Go see a soccer game this season, there are only a few left,” she said.
At the end of the day, responsibility for making our international students feel welcome falls on the faculty and student body. Whether making a donation, starting a friendship, or simply visiting the International Student Center. Every Ocelot can contribute to and benefit from Schoolcraft’s diverse, vibrant, and beautiful community.
