Table of Contents
- La Jefa Updates-Michelle Streeter-Ferrari
- Upcoming February Events
- International Student Highlight: Mohammed Ali Al Zaindeen
- Students Abroad: Emma and Paige
- Highlighting January Collaborations: Mock Job Interviews with the Career Center
- Host Family Highlight: The Browns
La Jefa Updates-Michelle Streeter-Ferrari 
Upcoming February Events
International Student Highlight: Mohammed Ali Al Zaindeen
Best buddies Emma Peterson and Paige Bokman are enjoying their time together this spring semester in Lyon France through Wright State’s USAC program. Paige is an international studies major with a minor in nonprofit administration and Emma is majoring in both international studies and Spanish while also minoring in French. These students were best friends and roommates at Wright State and decided to go abroad to expand their horizons and perfect their second language skills. We cannot wait to hear all of their fun stories when they return!
Highlighting January Collaborations: Mock Job Interviews with the Career Center 
On Friday, January 20th, the UCIE collaborated with the Career Center to help international students improve their interviewing skills through 5 minute mock job interviews. For many students, experiencing an interview in the USA is very different from their home country; therefore, having the experience of a mock interview makes a world of difference. The Career Center provided 3 of their career advisors to give 5 minute mock job interviews to international students, critiquing them and teaching students how they can improve their answers, resume, and even professional dress. We are so thankful for the Career Center for helping us have an incredibly successful event in order to prepare international students for the career world. The Career Center is always willing to help our international student community.
Some other January collaborations included:
January 3 & 4th-Spring 2017 International Orientation-Raider Connect, Student Health Services, Student Legal Services, Community Standards and Student Conduct, University Police, Student Activities, Graduate Schoo, and Resident Life and Housing.
January 3rd-New International Student Resource Fair-5th 3rd Bank, Welcome Dayton, Chase Bank, RTA, Province Apartments, Miami Valley Women's Center, Admissions (Campus Tours), University Libraries, Student Support Services, Campus Recreation, Counseling and Wellness Services, International Women Organization, African Student Union, Chinese Student and Scholar Association, International Cultural Exchange, Club of Canvas and Art, Student Government, Chi Alpha, University Activity Board, and International Friendships Inc.
January 22nd-SGA Highlights International Student Groups at WSU Basketball Game-Student Government Association
January 27th-Chinese New Year Celebration-Chinese Student and Scholar Association
January 28th-Ski Trip to Perfect North Slopes-International Friendhips. Inc.
Host Family Highlight:The Browns
The Browns are yet another exceptional family in our host family program. "One of the things that attracted us to the program was allowing our kids to have the opprotunity to be exposed to students of other cultures. And then when I learned that many international students do not get the chance to experience an American family's home, I saw this as a great opportunity to not only benefit our family, but also benefit an international student," said Alicia Brown.
The Browns are an Air Force Family in the area. Her husband is on active duty and Alicia is a homeschool mom and English grammer tutor.
"The program has given my kids exposure to someone of a different culture that is not American. Part of that allows them to have a sensitivity for others though this relationship," continued Alicia.
She spoke of great experiences such as her host student, knowing that her children love legos, bringing them a lego of a building found in Saudi Arabia. The host student was also able to attend the Nutcracker and support Alicia's children who played a role in the production. Her host student also enjoys art like her children which has allowed for an even greater connection.
"The investment of a relationship like this is one of the best ways we can spend our time. We live in a culture that gives us many options and ways we can use our time. But one of the most valuable ways is to build relationships. What a wonderful way to build a relationship with someone who has a different experience than you. And your experience with them helps shape their view of America. To me, that is worth rearrange my time and schedule to put people over things," said Alicia.
This is the Browns second semester being a part of the UCIE's Host Family Program. We are so thankful for them for all that they do to help provide a welcoming environment for our international students.
