Experiences of Honors Program International Students at NIU

By Minoo Yar

Hongtao Huang and Xinyi Ye are international junior students from Capital Normal University (CNU) in Beijing, China. They both major in geography with Hongtao minoring in computer science and statistics while Xinyi minors only in computer science. In addition to being a part of the Honors Program, both students are also part of a 1+2+1 program in which, once completed, they will earn two bachelor’s degrees. One degree will be earned from NIU this year and the other will be earned in CNU in their senior year. During their time at NIU, Hongtao and Xinyi have achieved high academic excellence. Both students have demonstrated incredible perseverance in their pursuit of their education, all while immersing themselves in the English language and American culture.

Xinyi’s accomplishments include winning first place in a speech competition at CNU and she was listed on the dean’s list for three semesters straight from fall 2020 to fall 2021 since she transitioned to NIU. The proudest moments that Xinyi experienced in her years at NIU, however, occurred when she saw her academic success despite her prior feelings of uncertainty. When receiving a high score on a quiz or an assignment, to Xinyi, it meant that all her effort had paid off. Her academic status as an Honors student is proof of her willingness and determination to give her best effort in learning, which in turn has immensely improved her English. She knows her current efforts and achievements can help her improve her academics and prepare for graduate studies. Some aspects that Xinyi likes about the Honors Program are the Honors courses and Honors Engaged activities which she believes helped her to become more involved in NIU’s community. “I like Honors Engaged events because I’m not a very outgoing person,” she said. “So, sometimes [there are] activities in the university I am interested in, but I do not feel encouraged to join them.” Therefore, Xinyi said she likes how the Honors Engaged point system encourages or motivates students to become more involved on campus to take opportunities for new experiences.

Hongtao also made the dean’s list. Hongtao’s proudest moments included being able to hold a conversation with a stranger, completing independent projects and giving presentations to colleagues in English. Before, Hongtao did not believe he could accomplish these feats by himself, but since his English improved so much during his stay at NIU, he overcame those difficulties and therefore felt very proud of himself. Hongtao learned how to manage his time to balance his extracurricular and academic

International student Xinyi Ye, geography major, in front of the music building at NIU.

activities, participating in clubs, holding internships, and devoting a lot of time to choir and piano in addition to taking challenging courses in his major and minors. For Hongtao, the Honors Program has challenged him from an academic standpoint and prepared him to be ready for graduate school. Hongtao believes that the Honors Program gives its students a better experience. “The Honors Program provides more than [what] the normal students in NIU can get like the Honors seminar, activities. And we have the privilege to enroll in the classes early!”

Hongtao and Xinyi adjusted admirably in their transition from CNU to NIU while learning many life skills in their journey. For instance, they learned how to rent their own apartments which are located near the NIU campus. It can be very challenging for international students to become accustomed to another country’s language and culture. These students exhibited great perseverance despite the obstacles which faced them during their stay at NIU. “All the people I meet are very friendly and they try their best to communicate with me.” Xinyi said. “It lets me be more brave and I can say my point, or say my thinking, and feel more confident.” It can be very intimidating and stressful for international students to engage in a curriculum and academic environment in a foreign language, let alone partaking in a conversation in English. Nevertheless, both students have displayed resilience and courage in studying abroad by taking chances and learning from their mistakes. This alone confirms Xinyi and Hongtao are exemplary not only as students, but as outstanding individuals as well.

The best piece of advice from Hongtao and Xinyi about study abroad for interested students is to study — as much as possible — the language of the country the student wants to visit. Hongtao supports and encourages that study abroad students study the language through vast amounts of language input like listening to music and consuming any media content in that specific language. Xinyi also shared the same sentiments while also adding that it is important to do research on the country itself and familiarize oneself on practical knowledge that relates to a country’s policies such as how to apply for a visa, how to book a hotel, how to communicate with a landlord to rent a house, how to apply for insurance, and so forth. If Xinyi did not study abroad, she would have never had the experiences and be comfortable or confident in these types of important life skills as she is now.

International student Hongtao Huang, fencing club at NIU Rec Center.