International students at Northwest now have a safe place to share stories, cultural practices, receive support and feedback from fellow students.

1. Madi Nolte
Missourian Reporter
International students at Northwest now have a safe place to share stories, cultural
practices, receive support and feedback from fellow students.
International Affairs Coordinator Ashley Henggeler said Bearcats Beyond Borders:
International Student Support is a program intended to help international students transition to
life at Northwest and in the United States through a support group or group counseling.
According to Henggeler, the group is designed to be a safe space where international
students can share what is going on in their life and hear from fellow students about tips and
tricks to help them transition to life in at Northwest. The conversation is facilitated by University
Wellness Center Counselor Courtney Koch, who the International Involvement Center has
worked with to designate topics each month to help drive the conversation.
“When students come to the United States from other countries, there is a lot of culture
shock,” Henggeler said. “Our international students cannot easily go home for the weekend
when they are feeling homesick or overwhelmed, so it is nice to have a good support network
for them.“
Graduate student Jaswanth Kumar Jonnalagadda, applied computer science major from
India, has not been a part of Bearcats Beyond Borders, but greatly supports the group and
praises its importance.
“We’re new here,” Jonnalagadda said. “We start off knowing nothing about the U.S.”
According to Jonnalagadda, everything here is different--from the language to the time,
even which side of the road people drive on. Jonnalagadda said a support group like this would
allow students to teach others what they have learned about the culture here and to help others
be more aware of their surroundings.
The Bearcats Beyond Borders meets once a month in the B.D. Owens Library, with the
next meeting scheduled for Oct. 3 at 4 p.m.
“September’s conversation centered around settling in to Northwest and Maryville,”
Henggeler said. “October will focus on managing stress, November is about differences in the
United States’ educational system versus their home country and December will center on
learning how to navigate the semester break.”
Students that are interested in more information or have questions are urged to contact
Wellness Services at 660-562-1348.
Jonnalagadda personally does not find himself homesick very often because he has
made so many good friends here. However, he would definitely consider attending the group
meetings if sharing his experiences here so far could help others.
“We need help to be successful here in the United States,” Jonnalagadda said. “So a
support group like this is much needed.”
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