I never thought that when I came to Schoolcraft in the Fall of 2023, I would be learning much more than academics. 

As we all know, there are hundreds of international students on Schoolcraft’s campus; we are classmates, colleagues and genuine friends. However, as Americans, do we really know what international students go through to get here? 

With the elections ending and constant misinformation/disinformation circulating throughout social media, news and other platforms, I think there is something that needs to be brought to the forefront and that is the lack of understanding of America’s immigration policies. 

I certainly can say I don’t remember learning about the hundreds of visas there are to immigrate to America. Sitting in the Schoolcraft Connection’s newsroom, a conversation between myself and two other staff members began. They began to explain to me the expenses that go into applying for your F1, student visa, and the intricacies of filling out the extensive paperwork. The amount of money that is put into applying without even having approval in the first place. Along with providing proof that you will have a place to live, and can take care of yourself financially. 

My mind was blown, not only at the astounding amount of money it costs to remain in America but the process in which they had to go through to remain here to obtain their education. 

I gently ask, as this topic can be a huge issue for many. Please read this with an open mind and open heart. For we are all human; take this opportunity to understand a difference in perspective. To be transparent, I am only speaking about international students in this column which is an F1 visa; there are over 180 different types of visas available.

I sat down with Laura Lavoie Leshok, Director and Advisor of the International student office and PDSO, Principal Designated School Official; and Kayla Lahiff, International Student Advisor and DSO, Designated School Official. Their roles and responsibilities are many, but one role for both staffers is to help students with their paperwork such as their visas. 

Both are academic advisors for international students and help prepare the students for the transition to Michigan. 

“We will do pre arrival webinars to help the students set expectations for school and climate,” said Leshok. Leshok continues that some are used to access public transportation and here in Livonia, it doesn’t exist. So figuring out transportation to get to school or anywhere can be extremely difficult. Some students will ride their bikes in the winter to campus even in unfavorable conditions..

International students are not eligible for many scholarships, they have to take twelve credits per semester and are restricted to only working on campus and 20 hours per week. Some students, even with the best prepared plan, have to question their housing situation. 

International students face adversity when it comes to housing, not all countries have a credit score system. Though some landlords will overlook that, they will require six months worth of rent in advance, or have cosigners and six months of rent. 

Many may not know that international students bring billions of dollars into the American economy, according to nafsa.org. In 2022 they contributed 1.3 billion dollars just to the Michigan economy. Lahiff explains that these students don’t receive financial aid andthey pay international fees, which is $270 per credit hour. This is an astounding increase compared to an in district resident, which pays $139 per credit hour. 

So much goes into being an international student there and there is another layer that needs to be addressed. 

“There is a huge misconception that anyone who doesn’t look like us three [gestures to myself, Lahiff and herself Lashok] is an international student and that’s not the case,” said Leshok. 

There can be misunderstandings that some international students came to America illegally. When the reality is, there are so many steps to coming to America to study. Potential students have to be interviewed by the embassy or consulate, Lahiff clarifies. She continues to explain that some people don’t choose to have no papers. However, some do not choose to even be, their parents choose to come to America with no documentation and potential students have no idea until they attempt to enroll. Living in America with no documentation is extremely restrictive and can hinder a student’s academic growth. 

Imagine having the dream of coming to America, taping a map of the entire United States to your ceiling giving yourself the goal of coming here to study but met with consistent adversity. 

American students take for granted the system that we are a part of already, unknowing the hardships others face to make their dreams come true. Instead I believe that we should be making friends and learning from those who are not from America. There is so much tradition and culture we don’t know about. 

The Schoolcraft Connection is holding a bottle and can drive to raise money for international students, we will use the funds to purchase hand and feet warmers, hygiene products. 

Please look for the bins around campus with our fliers. Our drive runs now through Dec 9.