March 30, 2022
Shawnee State University’s Center for International Programs & Study Abroad (CIPSA) recently took a trip with SSU international students to watch an FC Cincinnati soccer match. Oeds de Boer, an international student from the Netherlands, found the trip a highlight of his time at SSU.
“It was even better than I had anticipated!” he said. “Like most sports games here in the USA, I enjoy the hype that’s built up before the game and in breaks – the music, the games, the mascots, and all of that. We do not do games the same way back home.”
Connecting with students on campus, Boer has found a comfortable environment attending SSU this year.
“I have loved my experiences here so far,” he said. “I like how the educational aspect of college is directly tied in with clubs, sports, and all the social events.”
Recalling the best part of the trip to Cincinnati, Boer experienced hospitality and friendliness from the staff at the stadium, especially when he went in search for a cup of coffee.
“I ended up asking a security guard where I could find myself a cup of coffee,” said Oeds. “He called his wife, who also worked at the stadium. She was in the cafeteria and he asked her to bring down coffee for me. He put her on speaker phone for her to ask me if I wanted sugar or cream in it. She brought two cups of coffee for me free of charge. This was a textbook example of American hospitality and friendliness!”
SSU currently has fifty international students representing twenty-three countries who are involved in various academic programs, athletic teams, and student organizations on campus. The students are connected with resources through CIPSA where they can connect with other international students as well as gain information on how to access assistance throughout their time on campus.
Learn more about international student programs and opportunities at Shawnee State University.