Liberty welcomes over 600 international students to campus, offers support as they transition to life in US

Even though leaving home to attend school in a different country can be intimidating, Liberty University has programs and resources to help its international students adjust to life in the states and make campus their home away from home. This year, Liberty is welcoming about 600 residential international students from over 60 countries, with 146 of those students stepping on campus for the first time.

At the International Student Orientation on Aug. 15, Liberty President Dondi E. Costin told the new students that they play a major role in giving life to Liberty.

“You might think that you are here to receive from Liberty University and all its resources, and in many ways you are. But I want you to know that you are not just here to receive; you are here to give,” he said. “You are here to give to the people who have never lived the life you have lived, who have no concept of the foods you love, the challenges you have, the languages you speak. There are people all over the country and all over the world who show up here, and you might be the first person they’ve ever met who comes from your country or situation, and you get to be the one to let them know that it’s all good.”

Before praying over the students, Costin thanked them for choosing Liberty and encouraged them to take advantage of every resource available to them.

The orientation included multiple sessions to help set the students up for success, from understanding federal processes, maintaining F-1 status, preparing for cultural adaptation, to utilizing health insurance. Executive directors from offices across campus, including the College of Applied Studies and Academic Success (CASAS) and LU ONE, spoke about the resources their departments offer.

Dr. Kenny Warren, executive director of the C. Daniel Kim International Student Center (ISC), an office of LU ONE, provided an overview of the center’s programs.

“I’m going to give you three words: train, advance, and support. That’s what we do at ISC,” he said. “Seventy percent of international students who study in this country will return to their country of origin, 20 percent will leave the U.S. after getting their degree and go to a different country, and 10 percent will stay here. What an opportunity we have with you as international students to experience Christ here and to grow in your knowledge of Him. You are going to go back as better equipped (representatives for Christ), ready to serve the Lord in your country of origin or somewhere else.”

The ISC, located in Room 2232 in DeMoss Hall, provides academic and cultural support through advising, advocacy, and events for faculty, staff, and domestic and international students.

Representatives from Liberty’s Counseling and Psychological Services and Human Resources provided sessions on American etiquette and social norms as the students enter a culture that is different from their own. They educated the students on how to cope with culture shock and the highs and lows of adjusting to a different country.

Kesiah Beer, a freshman from Canada studying pre-law, said Liberty has been extremely helpful with the vast amounts of forms and regulations, and with answering her questions. As a commuter student, she said Liberty assisted her with finding off-campus housing.

“I’m really excited to be able to grow alongside other Christians who want to know Jesus more,” Beer said. “I know Liberty has a great reputation for academics, but the spiritual aspect is the biggest part to me. They have an amazing community as well, and I’m looking forward to being part of that.”

The efforts to make international students feel at home do not stop after move-in day and orientation. LU ONE and the ISC plan multiple events throughout the year for students to connect. On Tuesday, the second day of classes, they hosted a Worldwide Welcome on the Academic Lawn, where international students gathered to celebrate the start of the semester together. The Student Government Association (SGA) and various offices set up information tables on the lawn, and food, games, giveaways, and music were provided.

Next month, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, LU ONE will host Gran Fiesta Latina on Sept. 20, featuring Latin music, Hispanic food, and many activities and stations for students to engage in and learn about the culture.

International students also take a big part in Liberty’s annual Global Focus Week. They will help kick off the events with a Parade of Nations at the start of Convocation on Sept. 25, carrying in the flags of their home countries. On Sept. 27, international students will host their popular Taste of Nations, where they will cook food from their culture and share it with the university and community. This is the largest event that ISC hosts, drawing thousands of people to sample cuisine from around the world.

The ISC also hosts workshops, breakfasts, and open houses, and encourages international students to join one of the many clubs offered by SGA including the Association of Latin American Students, the Korean Student Association, African Connect Association, and more.

Executive Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Mark Hine emphasized during the orientation how excited Liberty is to welcome its international students and exhorted them to develop “holy habits” as they embark on their education.

“This is truly a miracle place you have come to,” Hine said. “(God) has ordered the steps of all the individuals in this room, and He’s been doing that for me for a very long time. Pursue God and let Him order your steps. Liberty is part of that right now, and we are so glad you are here. Welcome home.”