PFW Story
Office of International Education plays key role for many student-athletes
The Purdue University Fort Wayne Office of International Education is essential in the Mastodons' efforts to recruit and develop relationships with overseas students. Their work contributes to a diverse and inclusive environment on campus.
Who are they and what do they do? Let's find out!
Brian Mylrea (Director of International Education), Maureen Linvill (Assistant Director for International Student Services) and Kerri Gouty (Assistant Director for International Admissions) serve as the primary points of contact for international students and student-athletes once they decide to apply to Purdue Fort Wayne.
Two international student-athletes, Laura Caetano and Luiza Caetano, of the Mastodon women's golf team, have been involved through the International Education office as orientation leaders. Luiza also works in the office to assist in the everyday duties of the department.
The office admits undergraduate international students and works in coordination with the graduate studies department for graduate students. Linvill primarily oversees student immigration and helps students obtain all of the documents needed to apply for a student visa in their home country as well as the various types of authorization required by the department of homeland security for work authorizations.
Gouty and Linvill conduct general question and answer sessions for incoming students and organize new student orientations.
The mountain of paperwork required was made even more challenging the last two years as multiple U.S. embassies were shut down due to the pandemic. While most embassies have reopened, many have a backlog of applications. Linvill works with students once they get their visa appointment to give them tips on how to make sure they get their visa request approved.
Once international students arrive on campus, the office works to answer whatever questions they have. Understanding the structure of classes at American universities is very important. However, the small things can be challenging as well. Adjusting to food in America is one of the main differences according to Linvill. The office provides a list of supermarkets that cater to different ethnicities to assist with this transition. Transportation is also a big challenge, so the office assists in letting students know the process of how to get a driver's license. If a student wants to obtain an on-campus job, they are there to answer those questions too.
The International Education office also organizes programming throughout the school year to bring American culture to international students. They recently organized a Harvest Fest with pumpkin carving and other games.
They also organize events that showcase the home culture of international students to the Purdue Fort Wayne student body and campus community. The Global Student Celebration in November features music, dancing and food to give a glimpse to the campus community where Purdue Fort Wayne students come from.
Nearly every Mastodon team has had an international student-athlete on their roster. The contributions of international student-athletes are woven into the fabric of the department. The campus sees those same contributions in the classroom, adding their perspectives and experiences on different topics to help create a diverse learning experience.
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