International students find acceptance through IU welcoming services

Khai-Ern Ooi smiled as she flipped through pictures of her family and friends she has left more than 10,000 miles away. In a sweet British-Malay blended accent, she recalled her home country of Malaysia and her surrogate home country of England, where she studied for three years.\nThe 18-year-old freshman said people often question what brings her so many miles from home. Ooi's reason lies in her life's passion: the violin.\n"Music is so powerful," she said. "It is the language behind all languages."\nIf that's the case, Ooi has the talent of speaking three languages. Having previously studied music at the Wells Cathedral School in Wells, England, Ooi is also proficient in speaking English.\nShe was also accepted at the top two music colleges in the United Kingdom but chose the IU School of Music upon receiving the Music Faculty Award and the Dean's Scholarship. \nWith this accomplishment, Ooi had no hesitation in packing her bags and leaving for the U.S. \n"You can't be anywhere near the top of the pile if you stay in Malaysia to play music," she said.\nIU is prepared for students like Ooi who want to make the most of their educational experience. The Leo R. Dowling International Center coordinates social programming for international students by hosting various events.\n"We provide a venue for (international students) and a place where they can feel at home," said Sandy Britton, assistant director of the International Center. "We want them to know that IU appreciates their diversity." \nThe Center also serves as a link for fostering interaction between American and international students. \nConversation Partners, a program that allows international and American students to mutually improve on a certain language, is the most popular service the center offers. \nThe International and American Student Association encourages American students to get acquainted with the international community. \n"Mingling with international students is a great way to integrate people into your life and in doing so you naturally understand their culture, point of view and values at the University," IASA President Ji Son said. "We as a community of students share and shape each other a lot, even though we don't really know it sometimes." \nOoi plans to get involved with the immersion activities and throw herself into the American culture. For now, she is still absorbing her surroundings. Quick to note the cultural differences, Ooi observed Americans are more open-minded.\n"It's almost as if 'anything goes,'" she said.\nOn the other hand, the strict Chinese schools Ooi attended strongly emphasized discipline and respect toward elders. As a young Malay girl, Ooi's hair could not exceed a certain length or she was forced to wear it in a ponytail. \nYet Ooi has no harsh feelings toward her homeland. Instead, she carries the same respect with her to this foreign place, where her mind, she said, is like an open door. \n"You get used to what people's attitudes are toward school, work and life," she said. "You learn what makes people tick."\nWith that said, Ooi is determined to immerse herself into a third lifestyle while keeping her roots intact. \n"I came here for the purpose of an education and music," she said. "I'm on my way to being the best violinist I can be."\nIt is her passion for the violin that provides Ooi the energy to wake up in the morning, and reminds her of why she is here.\n"I get a lot of motivation here," she said. "There are so many musicians around and they're always practicing. I'm part of this huge group of people doing what I love to do. Music can make you laugh, cry or dance. It goes so much further than words."\nSo too do her pictures of family and friends, Ooi said. \nWhen asked if she feels homesick, she laughs and admits that she is, "but just a healthy bit."\n-- Contact staff writer Lyssa \nRebholz at lrebholz@indiana.edu.