International Student Stories & Testimonials

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Why Study at UIC?

Hear why these international students chose UIC and what their experience is like so far.

Rohith, India

Major: Computer Science

“Some of the reasons I chose to study at UIC are as follows. The first factor is that the location of the college is in the city of Chicago where there are a lot of professional competitions. I am a computer science major and there are a lot of hackathons, which will help me increase my exposure in the field. Another factor is the Indian population over here. In Chicago, the Indian population is quite high, so I could adjust more easily. Another factor is that UIC has AI labs, which I aspire to work in during my junior or senior year.”

Nimeesha, Malaysia

Major: Computer Science and Math

“The first two weeks for me were pretty hard. I felt lonely, I was away from home, from family, from friends, and there wan’t anyone that I really knew in the city. But, as the weeks went on and as school started, I started to get involved in more activities on campus and I really found the things I wanted to do in the city. It helped me create my own space at UIC.”

Zulu, Zambia

Major: Engineering

“Chicago is a complex city. Exploring the downtown area can be overwhelming because there is so much to do. In the winter, you can go ice skating at Millennium Park. I also love going to the lake and museums or just walking around and looking at skyscrapers. It’s very easy to move around the city using public transportation. When I came here, I thought it would be more difficult, but the trains and buses are always running.”

Phoo, Myanmar

Major: Biochemistry

“UIC is such a diverse university, and it helped me make a lot of new friends from different cultures. Professors and staff working around campus are so friendly and are available for you anytime you need help. They also have the solutions to every problem you have. The thing that I love most about UIC is the people here. They always have a friendly smile on their face, and it makes you feel welcome in this environment. Everyone that I met has always given me their attention when speaking about myself and my life back home. I feel like I have found a new home here.”

Klevi, Albania

Major: Business

“When I came here, I had a pretty good idea of American culture, but I was still nervous about whether or not I would fit in. UIC Global played a huge role in helping me out and making my journey easier and way more exciting. My advice to UIC Global students coming here for the first time is that they should not be afraid. They should know that there is a community here that will support them. UIC Global has had my back since the very first day.”

Roger, China

Major: Computer Science

“When I first started studying at UIC, I was nervous to speak English in front of other people. The instructor in my UIC Global Live, Learn, Grow class gave us really useful materials and clear instructions on how to speak professionally. After I practiced at home and completed reviewing these materials, I won the Fall 2018 Elevator Pitch Competition. I am more confident talking about my experiences. I even joined tennis club, where I practice twice a week with students from all over the globe. It’s a great opportunity to make friends and communicate.”

Kirill, Russia

Major: Business

“As soon as I arrived to UIC, I was focused on getting a job in order to earn money for myself. UIC offered many job fairs that helped me to understand the system of employment at the university. I am currently employed by the UIC Recreation Center. My jobs give me a lot of opportunities to develop myself and make new connections. I am very grateful to UIC for providing me with the opportunities to be employed on campus.”

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I was worried about making new friends, but everyone is nice here, so it was not a problem. It was easy to make friends from around the world.

Keith, Korea

Akshay, Qatar

Major: Computer Science

“It’s hard at first for every international student. We have to adjust to a lot of new things, including cultural differences and learning how to talk and conduct yourself in a new society. But for me, it was easier than expected to adjust. UIC is truly a diverse university. There are so many people here from different cultures, it’s a melting pot of different cultures, which is really nice to see. You can really understand other people’s cultures. It’s a beautiful thing how this university embraces its diversity.”

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Chau, Vietnam

Major: Public Health

“At UIC, we have a free membership to the gym, including all of the gym classes, swimming pool and sauna. We also have free access to public transportation in Chicago, which is the train and the bus. The last thing, which is my favorite thing, is that we have a free event pass to mostly every event hosted by UIC. This is a great way for students to get involved on campus. So, if you are interested in making friends from all over the world, if you enjoy the big city life and if you want to have access to services for international students, then UIC is your choice.”

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