Alfonso Jimenez Contreras is an international student from Mexico City studying computer science at Averett University in Virginia. The transition was easy for him and he did not feel nervous. He enjoys playing tennis for the university team, which has helped him make friends and adjust to life at Averett. While the tuition is expensive, Alfonso received an academic scholarship that has made his education affordable. He finds the cafeteria food helpful, as it includes some international dishes that remind him of home and help prevent homesickness. Alfonso is happy at Averett and plans to complete his four-year degree thanks to his scholarship.

1. Diversity: The Transition for an International Student
By: Christine Johnson
Being an International student may be challenging, but for Alfonso Jimenez Contreras,
freshman and Computer Science major, the transition was easy. Coming all the way from his
hometown Mexico, Mexico City to Danville, VA for schooling was an exciting experience for
him. “I didn’t feel nervous at all. I felt happy and convinced I was going to do well. I knew I
could balance school, tennis, and fun with friends” he said.
Alfonso discovered Averett University while looking through colleges with his father and
felt an instant connection with the school. His father wanted him to have the best education he
could possibly have and thought Averett would be the best selection for him. Because the
university is privately owned, the tuition is pricey, but with Averett offering Alfonso an
academic scholarship, it made paying for his schooling easy and affordable.
“It’s like the best school I’ve ever been in,” Alfonso, said.
As well as being a student at Averett, Alfonso is also a student athlete. Being on the
tennis team at Averett, it was easier for him to make friends here at school. Alfonso has
something in common with majority of his team because he isn't the only international tennis
player. He has a good smooth relationship with his tennis teammates and enjoys being with
them.
“Tennis definitely helped me adjust to being at Averett. Having internet is also good
because I can listen to my tunes. Cafe food helps a lot, they cook international food and I even
brought my own hot sauce,” Alfonso, said.

2. The schools cafeteria cooks a wide variety of food that includes some international
dishes. Having the taste of home right here in the schools cafe makes getting home sick not a
problem for Alfonso.
“When I see something from home I smile and feel happy about it. Spicy hamburger’s
makes me feel at home because we have spicy foods in Mexico. Texas Pete hot sauce is my
favorite in the cafe” Alfonso, said.
Alfonso is enjoying his school experience at Averett University and confirms that he will
stay all four years of college with the help of his four year academic scholarship.