Our international students bravely step into a new environment when coming to Concordia.
International student feature: Dasco Umpungu
Concordia’s international students courageously step into a new country to pursue their personal and academic goals. This international student feature shares one student’s experience as an international student here at Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor. Keep reading to learn more about current biomedical sciences student Dasco Umpungu.
Tell us about yourself.
I’m the oldest of five and an aspiring surgeon. I love singing and dancing. I’m a descendant of a music-oriented family. From my great-grandfather all the way down to my siblings and me, God has blessed everyone with the ability to sing and play instruments. I love food, so picking a favorite has always been a hard thing to do. If I were to pick one [favorite food], it would be losso madesu na soso, which is a dish back home made of rice, beans and some chicken. I love to sprinkle some sugar on my rice and beans, but some people prefer it plain.
Where are you from?
I’m from the Democratic Republic of Congo, D.R.C. This country located in the heart of Africa; it has lots of riches. The country was blessed with the mighty Congo River, which generates enough energy to power the whole country and South Africa with electricity. This country is the second largest of Africa, and it has the world’s second largest rain forest.
What are you studying here at Concordia University?
I major in biomedical sciences.
What are some of your long-term goals?
My ultimate goal is to become a neurosurgeon. I will then go back to my country and help my people with the knowledge I have acquired.
How many languages do you speak?
I am a polyglot. I fluently speak 4 languages: English, French, Swahili, and Lingala.
What advice would you give to students who want to study in a different country?
While you still can, spend as much time as you can with your family. Show them you love them, hug them, kiss them, because once you don’t see them everyday, you will regret not doing that. Don’t live in the future, live in the present. Enjoy it while it is there, because it will not always be there.
How can American students make their international classmates feel welcomed?
I would say to be more open to talk to people they do not know. Most students at Concordia have a history with their fellow classmates or any student at the school. For example, some of the students went to high school together, or they grew up in the same neighborhood, or they know their friend goes to the school, so they decide to join. International students do not have that privilege of already knowing someone at the school, and sometimes they don’t know anyone in the country. So, if the American students could be open to meeting new people it would be very helpful and welcoming to the international students.
Do you want to know more?
If you’re interested in learning more about life as an international student at Concordia University, visit us here.
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