UAB celebrates its diverse international student body with International Welcome Party. (Photo by Amal Goteti).UAB celebrates its diverse international student body with International Welcome Party. (Photo by Amal Goteti).
Ulric Cowley – Contributer
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On Thursday Sept. 3, the International Mentors hosted a welcoming event for the international students at the Rec Center.
Across the Green there were flags from around the world drawing students into the welcome event. Once inside, students found music, cuisine representing many cultures from Indian to Greek alongside traditional American food and even a photo booth where students could use props and take their picture with the mascot Blaze.
International Mentors is a program that provides international students with hosts. The hosts help the students with their transition to life at UAB. They provide information about the city as well as show the students what Birmingham has to offer them.
“It’s our job to help them with anything they need once they arrive in the United States, basically anything about being an international student at UAB in Birmingham we are there to answer their questions,” said Leyah Schwartz, the head mentor of the program. “This event was to show them exactly what Birmingham has to offer and to have all the current students meet the new international students.”
Throughout the event, the international students and returning UAB students conversed and enjoyed free food.
“This is for them to mix and mingle, to network, and to meet new people.” said Sharifa Wip, mentor coordinator of Student Multicultural & Diversity Programs. “I’m very proud of our mentors; we have an outstanding group.”
To request a mentor or learn more about the program, visit uab.edu/students/student-life/international-mentors.
