International Student Profiles
Student: Xiao Liu
Class: 2012
Country of Origin: China
Student: Hamdan Aljohani
Class: 2014
Major: Computer Science
Country of Origin: Saudi Arabia
Student: Oluwaseyi Bankole
Class: 2013
Major: MS Computer Science
Country of Origin: Nigeria
Student: Dandan Xiao
Class: 2013
Degree Earned: MS Software Engineering
Country of Origin: China
Student: Andreea Danalache
Class: 2011
Degree Earned: MBA Accounting
Country of Origin: Romania
More information from Andreea:
Why Monmouth?
I passed by the campus and I liked the location. Monmouth is a few minutes from the beach and only an hour away from New York. The campus was so green with flowers all around and students were going to class even in the summer.
Personalized Attention
When I decided to apply I was able to communicate with both the staff and with fellow students. Talking to international students who were already here helped me get an idea of the class environment and the quality of the professors who teach here.
Balancing work and play
The International Student Club organizes a lot of festivals and trips. We have a lot of fun because there are a lot of events on campus. You also have to put in the effort to work and study. If you do that, you will be fine and you will see the results. You'll have a good GPA and you can apply for an assistantship to help with tuition. Many doors will open to you, whether at home or anywhere in the world.
Placement after graduation
I participated in the Accounting Honors Employment program. The career services office works with participating accounting companies to find jobs for students after graduation. It's a very helpful program. Under an F-1 VISA you can spend a year after graduation getting work experience. I found a position and I'm getting a lot of valuable experience.
Student: Karthik Kova
Native Country: India
Program(s) of study: Software Engineering, Computer Science (MS 2010)
President, International Students Association
Why Monmouth?
The person to person contact was so strong that I felt it was my destiny to come here.
Twice as nice
This is my second program of study at Monmouth University. I have completed my MS in computer science and now I am studying Software Engineering.
Home away from home
One of my life's goals has been to study in the US. I looked at other areas on the East Coast, but when I came to New Jersey, there was something about this place that I felt was similar to my home. I was looking for a new experience but I didn't want a big culture shock. I can say that after coming here I've never felt that I was away from my home.
Unmatched support
I am a low vision student and throughout my education in India I never knew that there were things that could help me in the classroom. This was one of the reasons I wanted to come to the US. I looked at the Disability services information on the Monmouth website and I had a gut feeling that they could help me. When I came they supplied me with adaptive software which increases what I see on the computer screen and exams with enlarged font size. It made such a difference and it really helped me complete my Masters degree.
Giving back
My aim has always been to develop my knowledge and skills so that I can take them back to my home. I would like to create software to assist people with disabilities. Monmouth University has given me the opportunity to do that. It continues to be a wonderful experience.
Student: Lin Zhao
Class: 2011
Degree: MA, Corporate and Public Communications
Country of Origin: China
More information from Lin:
Why Monmouth?
I love the environment here. The professors at Monmouth are very focused on teaching and the small class size is favorable for interaction between professors and students. This is important to me.
Peer review
I think Monmouth University will be a good choice for international students who want to study in the US. If you study here you will get more opportunities. You should also speak with US students as much as possible because that is what will help you to learn about the society here.
Exciting course work
I enjoy the research I've been doing in the communications program. I've done research about the role of media exposure in adolescent body image and eating disorders. This is a topic that I have a lot of interest in. I think it affects many people. This semester I am focusing my research on contradictory patterns in the closed relationship.
