International Education Spotlight
Elecah Maye Alindogan
Exchange Student: Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Describe your international education experience.
Kansas is known for its food, especially its smoky barbecue that brings people together in collaboration. My international education feels much the same, as the act of sharing food becomes an unspoken message of cooperation. It is in the way we pass the plates while chewing off any cultural barriers to communication. The plate is more than an exchange of condiments, it is an exchange of compassion.
Why do you think international education is important?
In many ways, international education feels the same, it’s a feast of ideas, concepts, and conviction. For me, it involves give and take: I give ideas in a conversation that take into account everyone’s cultural condition, and I take inputs without jumping to a conclusion. I believe this practice of give and take is important in international education because it fosters empathy as well as elevation.
Nomina Thara Koneti
Undergraduate student in business analytics
Describe your international education experience.
When I first came to KU, everything felt overwhelming. It was a completely new place, and I didn’t know anyone. I’m an ambivert, so I’m not the kind of person who easily starts conversations or puts myself out there right away. It took me about a semester to get familiar with Lawrence, the campus, and how everything worked. During my first semester, I didn’t explore much because I was focused on adjusting to the new education system and coping with the academic transition. But by my second semester, I started stepping out of my comfort zone. I joined clubs and organizations, and I landed my first on-campus job with KU Housing. That job really helped me connect with people and feel part of the community. Over time, I’ve fallen in love with Lawrence and KU. People here are kind, welcoming, and always willing to help. My professors and TAs have been incredibly supportive whenever I needed guidance. That’s honestly the best thing about KU — the people. As an international student, this journey has taught me so much about life, independence, and connection. And I’m still learning every day.
Why do you think international education is important?
I think international education is important because it opens your world in ways nothing else can. You meet people from different cultures, cities, and countries, and your entire perspective on life begins to shift. When you stay in one circle for too long, your mind starts thinking within its limits. But once you step outside that circle, you realize how much more there is to see, learn, and understand. Every new connection teaches you something. You start to accept that people are different and not everyone will think or act the way you do, and that is okay. That realization helps you let go of expectations and grow into a more understanding and accepting person. International education teaches you to live and let live. It shapes you into a better human being who is more independent, emotionally aware, and grounded. It shows you that the world you once imagined is just a small part of what actually exists. You learn to adapt, to handle challenges, and to appreciate life in all its diversity. In the end, it is not just about studying abroad. It is about learning who you are and what kind of person you want to become.
Parul Sood
Lecturer & Advisor in the Applied English Center
Describe your international education experience.
I was born and raised in New Delhi, India, in a bilingual household where I spoke Hindi at home and began learning English in school. Due to India’s colonial legacy, English has long been an important part of higher education and is widely used as the medium of instruction in public schools. I completed my high school education in New Delhi and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Delhi University. During this four-year program, I had the opportunity to teach elementary students as part of my internship, which helped me gain practical classroom experience. After completing my degree, I moved to the United States to pursue a master’s degree in Education with an emphasis on TESOL. I began working at the Applied English Center (AEC) at the University of Kansas in 2012, initially as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, and later as a lecturer. I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching at the AEC ever since. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling and meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds, learning about their traditions and perspectives.
Why do you think international education is important?
I believe international education is important because it exposes students to diverse perspectives, cultures, and ways of thinking, which helps them become more open-minded and globally aware. Growing up in India as a bilingual speaker and later studying and working in the United States, I’ve seen firsthand how learning in different cultural and language settings can really open your mind and make life more interesting.
Abhishek Juneja
Graduate student in educational psychology
Describe your international education experience.
Multiple thoughts arise when I reflect on my international education experience. The first is that it was undeniably challenging — not only academically, but also emotionally and socially. Adjusting to a different cultural context required patience, perseverance, and faith in my decision to pursue this opportunity. Over time, I came to appreciate that the experience was profoundly rewarding, as it pushed me beyond my comfort zone and taught me to navigate uncertainty with poise and grace. Ultimately, it made me more resilient and helped me gain clarity about my goals — how I intend to achieve them, and how, in the process, I can create balance between my personal growth and my contributions to the broader community I am part of.
Why do you think international education is important?
I believe international education is important because it challenges individuals to grow beyond familiar boundaries — intellectually, emotionally, and socially. Immersing oneself in a new cultural and academic environment demands adaptability, patience, and self-belief. It pushes you to embrace uncertainty, think independently, and develop resilience. More importantly, it offers the opportunity to gain clarity about your goals and values while fostering empathy and connection with people from diverse backgrounds. Through these experiences, international education not only enhances personal and academic growth but also shapes globally minded individuals who can contribute thoughtfully to their communities and the world at large.