Some may be surprised to learn that Concordia has the fourth-largest international population of any college in the state of Wisconsin. We proudly share our Concordia home with learners from all reaches of the world.
This week, however, our international students are turning the tables and playing host to us by sharing pieces of their home countries through crafts, snacks, and activities. It’s all in celebration of International Education Week, an annual initiative that is jointly sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education.
It’s an appropriate time, therefore, to get to know some of our international students on campus. Make a point of saying hi to them when you see them in the hallway, and stop by the CIC to meet more international learners and celebrate their cultures.
Raghad Alfaraj
Goes by: Rae
Home country: Saudi Arabia
Major: Rehabilitation Science
Q: Why do you love Concordia?
A: I love Concordia because it is very diverse and diversity is embraced here.
Q: What country do you want to visit next?
A: I would love to visit Germany or Austria sometime in the future.
Q: Why would you recommend an out-of-country experience?
A: I think everyone should get out-of-country experience because it opens peoples’ eyes to different cultures. It’s the experience that you get from these different cultures and the connections that you build that help you thrive.
Walid Amr Ragaey
Goes by: Wally
Home country: Egypt
Major: M.S. in Information Systems
Q: What is a fun fact about your country?
A: We have the largest food court in the world with a total floor area of 41,000 squar meters (441,318 square feet).
Q: What is the next country you want to visit?
A: The next country I am planning to visit is Belgium.
Q: Why would you recommend an out-of-country experience?
A: Out-of-country experiences are excellent for cultural exploration and understanding.
Nancy Bansal Agrawal
Home country: I was born in India, but I am a citizen of Nepal.
Major: MBA in Healthcare Administration
Q: What is a fun fact most Americans wouldn’t know about your home country?
A: India has the largest English-speaking population in the world. Also, India is sometimes called the “mother of many inventions” because it originated things like algebra, shampoo, number zero, and chess.
Nepal is the only country with a triangular flag. Also, Nepal has 8 (out of 10) of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest.
Q: What do you love most about Concordia?
A: What I love most about Concordia is the amalgamation of so many different people from all over the world living together, and the magnificent view of Lake Michigan from the Concordia campus.
Q: If we see you in the hallway, what should we ask you about?
A: When you see me in the hallway, you can ask me about cultures and traditions or any questions about my country. I will try to answer them in the most efficient way!
Yoojin Choi
Home country: South Korea
Major: Nursing
Q: What is a fun fact most Americans wouldn’t know about your home country?
A: South Korea is a powerful country in the League of Legends computer game competition. From 2011 to 2020, a Korean team won the championship six times.
Q: What do you love most about Concordia?
A: I really love chapel time every day.
Q: What is the next country you want to visit?
A: I want to go Japan.
Interested in Concordia’s international program or the Concordia International Center? Click here to find out more.
— This story is written by Kali Thiel, director of university communications for Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor. She may be reached at kali.thiel@cuw.edu or 262-243-2149.
If this story has inspired you, why not explore how you can help further Concordia's mission through giving.