Joy In Connecting the World

Each year, Concordia University, St. Paul welcomes students from all over the world as part of the growing university community at our physical campuses and online. Through intentional recruitment efforts and desirable academic programs, CSP’s international student population rose to a record 284 students from 32 countries this spring.

Three of CSP’s international students share their stories about coming to CSP and the impact that studying internationally has on their educational experience. With a significant cohort of international students at all degree levels, Concordia truly connects the world.

Dheeraj Kolla, a student in the information technology management (ITM) master’s program and an artist from India, praises CSP’s welcoming community. “Being an international student, I never felt homesick and alone because Concordia welcomed me as a member of its family,” he shares. “The immense encouragement and support I’m receiving from Concordia makes me more enthusiastic about my artwork and career.”

Laura Vekony, a sophomore business major from Hungary, also finds the CSP community welcoming, specifically because the small size makes it easier to meet people and make friends. She chose CSP so she could earn a degree in finance while competing on CSP’s swimming and diving team.

Boyapati Rameshchandra, a master’s student in the ITM program and President of the Indian Students Association, chose CSP for “its vibrant nature and proximity to the rich life” she had heard so much about in the Twin Cities. However, once here, Rameshchandra realized that she did not have to leave campus in order to experience rich cultural diversity. “I’ve been able to see so many different cultures here at Concordia, which wasn’t what I imagined,” she says. “It truly is a melting pot of various backgrounds and opportunities.”

For her part, Director of International Student Services Tiffanie Loeb Schneider finds great joy in many aspects of working with international students, including “seeing how international students enrich our classrooms and campus community.”

She continued, “It is such a joy to meet students at Admitted Student Day and then see them throughout their time at CSP befriending classmates, joining clubs, and even going on study abroad trips.”

International students experience living and learning, not only with Americans, but with fellow international students from other countries. Rameshchandra views cultures coming together as a highlight of her experience, “because we are more alike than different. And I like celebrating different cultures and their traditions.”

Vekony agrees, especially as she observes differences between American culture and her Eastern European culture. “I love working with international students because everybody has their own culture and values. It is interesting for me to learn about new cultures and get to know international students' backgrounds and interests,” she reflects.

Kolla expresses gratitude that people of different cultures can be themselves at Concordia. “I appreciate people’s kindness and the opportunity provided for everyone to express themselves, regardless of their culture, customs, ethnicity, or origin,” he says.

In addition to learning about and celebrating diverse cultures, the three students shared that they would take other lessons home with them. Kolla sees this experience as developing him into a “stronger human being.” Rameshchandra appreciated having to step out of her comfort zone as an international student: “One thing I will take from this experience is to keep trying new things. The style of learning, mingling, and way of life as a student here at Concordia has made me step out of my comfort zone and try new things. I’m not used to doing that. Now I’m comfortable trying new things and [I am] more open to new opportunities.”

Vekony likewise will take lessons home with her, including “working hard and making sure to get the best possible outcome as a student-athlete…I will definitely have the same mindset later in my career.”

Loeb Schneider celebrates the opportunities a CSP education provides to these students as they launch into their next chapter. “It's a joy to watch as they gain skills in their program, build confidence, and eventually graduate and find a wonderful job in their field.”

Story: Dr. Colleen Arendt, Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Concordia St. Paul

Photos: Concordia University Marketing and Dheeraj Kolla