International center welcomes new IU students

Amidst barbecue meatballs, vegetable-stuffed mushroom cups and refreshments, new and returning international students mingled at the Leo R. Dowling International Center’s welcome reception on Friday.

The event provided an opportunity for the international center and international student associations to reach out to students.

About 5,500 international students from 130 countries are enrolled at IU this semester, said Christopher Viers, associate vice president for international services.

“It is important for our office and Indiana University to welcome the students and let them know we’re happy they are here,” said Sandy Britton, director of the Leo R. Dowling International Center.

“They are an important part of IU, and we are here to help them out whatever way we can.”

Presidents of several international student associations discussed involvement on campus.

Senior Arshad Othman, president of the Malaysian Student Association, and senior Ben Chui, president of the Hong Kong Student Association, served as the masters of ceremonies.

“The International Center has acted as a home for the Malaysian Student Association,” Othman said. “Sandy (has) always been there for international student associations with materials and information.”

Minwen Weng, an international graduate student from China, said she has used her first few weeks to adjust to life in Bloomington.

“It’s my first time in the U.S. (and) in an English-speaking country,” Weng said. “The lifestyle, the culture’s different.”

Music informatics graduate student Parichehr Razmand, who is from Iran, said she is learning to balance her course load with personal responsibilities.

“It was my first time (living) alone,” Razmand said. “I have to do everything myself now. It was an adventure.”