Vivian Hernandez Mejia Contributor

An international program is more than an academic or tourist experience. It is an opportunity to live in a host country allowing a student to experience a new culture, with the knowledge of customs, people with other perspectives and methodologies, and overcoming challenges.

 Lou Lo works as Program and Center Support Coordinator at Northwest Arkansas Community College and is a cheerleader for international students. She said that there is no set number of students; that figure can both increase and decrease. Each semester is different; some enroll while others graduate and transfer to a university.

The international program brings diversity, different perspectives and stories, new experiences, and new things to add to the campus community. This year there are more than 30 countries participating in this program. The top three are Vietnam, Nigeria, and Bolivia.

An international student can join the NWACC student body by applying, submitting documents, and then receiving a letter of acceptance.

The documents needed are:

  • Copy of passport
  • Completed financial awareness form.
  • Submit proof of financing (bank statements must be within six months).
  • Evaluated International Transcript – Credential Translation Services
  • Proof of English verification. English Verification Check Form

All students are required to enroll in a total of 12 credits per semester. Nine of those hours must be taken in person. In addition, each international student must purchase NWACC-provided international health insurance each semester even if you already have one separately.

            There are many students around the world who are still hesitant or afraid of joining an international program because of the language, the place, or the culture. “If you don’t try it, you would never know and if you try it you made like it,” Lo said.

Lo said she loves to meet all international students and learn about the cultures of each country. She expressed her gratitude for the students who made the decision to attend NWACC. “Thanks to all international students for being in the program,” she said, adding that she hopes they feel they are part of the family.

An international student named Lea Moralli, who comes from Bolivia, is in her second year at NWACC. She chose this school because her sister lives in Arkansas, and the college is cheaper than a university. Her experience has been quite pleasant, she said, from the moment she entered and Lo introduced her to all the international students so that she could have friends. Moralli said in every problem she had the counselors support and the help to enable her to improve.

Her experience in this program has also been incredible. She said everyone is very friendly. When students enter the program, they are already part of the Citizens of the World group, which is a club where they also meet other students from around the world. The group also has many outings so students can socialize both inside and outside the school. The activities are diverse, and many of the students like to bring food from their country for others to taste and get to know.

The NWACC webpage for international students notes, “You’ll experience small classroom sizes, allowing you the opportunity to connect with American teachers and students. And with extensive club and organization options, you’ll have opportunities to immerse yourself into the American culture.”

Moralli said that the teachers are empathetic and understand the international students’ situation, adding that they know that it is a difficult change and are patient with the students. Moralli, a psychology major, said there are some courses that are a little difficult for her like science, but her teachers are helpful and explain the concepts well to her. “The teachers are incredible,” she said. “Whenever I ask for help, they always give it to me, and as they know that you come from another country, they are much more patient with you; there is a lot of empathy.”