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My name is Lam Nguyen (preferred name Helina Nguyen), and I am a student in the College of Science at Purdue University, majoring in Chemical Biology and Biology. I am from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where I lived for 18 years before coming to the U.S. to study at Purdue. I grew up in a normal family as the second child and attended a public high school for the gifted, which shaped the way I approach learning and challenges. Outside of academics, I enjoy watching K-dramas and C-dramas, drinking boba and I’m interested in listening to music.

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Purdue University, Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, IN

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The heart of campus on the Purdue Mall: the Bell Tower, Purdue Mall Water Sculpture, and Hovde Hall.

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Purdue University is a top destination for international students. The Purdue Language and Cultural Exchange (PLaCE) program supports international students and internationalization efforts at the university by providing a strong instructional and assessment program. Our focus is helping international students develop the academic, linguistic and cultural competencies needed to participate in university life and to compete for graduate school and employment opportunities.

To give some idea of where students come from, Student Spotlights are pinned to the location the student chose as their hometown (though many students have lived and travelled broadly).

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Shaocheng (Leno) Wu; School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering

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After graduation, I plan to take a short break to spend time with my family. Following that, I aim to contribute as a volunteer teacher, supporting children’s education in rural areas. I then intend to pursue a PhD, with the goal of completing it within five years. Ultimately, I aspire to join a tech company as a research scientist, where I can further enhance my technical expertise and contribute to innovative solutions.

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Be willing to speak up and express yourself—don’t be afraid of making mistakes with grammar or accent. No one will judge you for it. Confidence is key, and remember, being bilingual is amazing! Also, be a great listener. Pay attention to how native speakers express their thoughts; this is invaluable for improving your communication skills. Listening and observing are just as important as speaking.

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The best experience I’ve had at Purdue is attending home games for our men’s basketball team. I'm a huge basketball fan, so the energy at Mackey Arena is unmatched, and it’s always a joy to watch our players’ hard work and incredible performances. Naturally, my favorite places at Purdue are Mackey Arena and the CoRec, where I can immerse myself in the sport I love and stay active.

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I chose to study at Purdue because of my strong passion for engineering, particularly in the field of mechanics. Purdue’s exceptional reputation in engineering made it an incredible opportunity to pursue my studies here. Additionally, knowing that one of the greatest physicists from my hometown graduated from Purdue in the 1950s inspired me and added a sense of pride and excitement to be part of this legacy.

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As an international student, I took ENGL 110 and 111 as mandatory courses, along with ENGL 106 to fulfill my First-Year Engineering requirement and improve my writing skills. Adjusting to a full-English environment was initially challenging, but my ENGL 110 instructor, David Sparks, provided invaluable support. His guidance helped me practice and improve my speaking skills, especially for presentations, for which I am very grateful. 

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I grew up in Hefei, the capital of Anhui Province, and studied in Chinese schools before attending Purdue University. Since my sophomore year, I’ve actively engaged in ME research and club activities, completing over four semesters of undergraduate research and participating as a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow in 2024. In June 2024, I attended the Noise Control Conference, earning two awards and expanding my network in the field. I’ve received several honors from Purdue’s Mechanical Engineering Department and College of Engineering. In Spring 2024, I studied abroad in Singapore, representing Purdue globally. During Summer 2023, I interned at Aptiv as a Hardware Product Engineer, working on New Energy Vehicle Power Distribution projects.Outside academics, I enjoy basketball, swimming, traveling, and working out at the CoRec, where I love connecting with friends who share similar interests.

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My goals include deepening my expertise in engineering, AI and sustainability through hands-on research and interdisciplinary projects. I aim to refine innovations like the Sun Harvested Cool Rooms and contribute to meaningful initiatives like the Society of Women Engineers sustainability program. In the short term, I plan to focus on advanced coursework and collaborative research, while participating in Research programs like SURF that promote women in STEM. Long term, I aspire to develop scalable, sustainable technologies addressing global challenges like food security and climate change, leveraging my Purdue leading technology developments to create impactful solutions.

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My journey at Purdue is about more than academics—it's about becoming a well-rounded individual prepared to solve real-world problems while celebrating and contributing to diversity. Each of us, as international students, bring unique perspectives and experiences. My advice would be—express your understanding openly and freely when inside or outside class, and be willing to hear others’ perspectives too. Seek help from your SCLA professors when you feel you are lagging behind or need some support in preparing yourself for future opportunities. Reaching out to my professor has helped me build tremendous confidence in even my internship interviewing process.

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My favorite experience at Purdue is making new friends. It took a few months to understand what I like about certain people and whom I would like to keep around. Even rooming with someone other than my sister has been a transformative friendship experience!

One of my favorite spaces at Purdue is the Bechtel Innovation Design Center. It’s a hub of creativity and collaboration where ideas come to life. Whether I’m prototyping a new concept or brainstorming with teammates, the energy of the space fuels my motivation and reminds me why I chose Purdue—a place where innovation thrives.

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I chose Purdue University because of its outstanding reputation in engineering and innovation, coupled with its emphasis on hands-on learning and research. Purdue's commitment to preparing students for real-world challenges aligns perfectly with my academic goals and personal vision of creating impactful solutions. The opportunity to work with accomplished faculty and collaborate on groundbreaking projects has been a pivotal part of my experience. For example, my involvement with the US Navy-funded boat automation initiative and the Society of Women Engineers Sustainability program have allowed me to apply computer vision and sustainability principles in innovative ways. Moreover, Purdue's research opportunities have helped me refine my work on projects like the SunHarvested CoolRooms, a sustainable electricity-free cooling solution that has received global recognition.
The campus environment fosters creativity, collaboration, and innovation, all of which have been instrumental in shaping my academic journey. I knew Purdue would challenge me to grow not just as an engineer but as a thinker, collaborator, and leader—qualities essential to achieving my long-term goal of creating sustainable technologies that benefit society.

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I took the SCLA 110 class in Fall 2024 as part of my prerequisites for the semester. Being Dr. Matthew Allen’s student was one of the biggest joys of my first semester. Through our assignments and classes, I understood how to build a work-life schedule, create simple but impactful presentations, and reflect on the past in a themed manner. Just about every assignment we've done has brought great learning for me as a human. I have even built a whole new journaling system for 2025 based on one of our conversations!

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My name is Mahek Parvez, and I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University. I am an ambitious woman hoping to merge technology and sustainability to solve climate change. Originally from India, I have had the privilege of contributing to several impactful projects and initiatives both academically and socially in the realms of Sustainability and Women Empowerment. During my two gap years, I pursued scientific research and experimentation at Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM), the #1 university in India for R&D.

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I plan to get a job in the US but I know it will be especially hard being an international student. I still don’t know what I want to do, so I hope being at Purdue I am able to find my passion. I also want to be able to make a name in the School of Business, go up the BWC ladder and make lots of friends and memories! 

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Purdue has a lot of resources for every single thing, so don’t hesitate to reach out. There are also plenty of people so don’t worry if you haven’t found your set of friends yet because friend groups change a lot. There are cultural centers to join and find people that come from the same roots as you. PLaCE is also a great resource to reach out to. They are very helpful and always are open to help with improvement and communication or cultural adjustment. 

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My best memory at Purdue so far would be the week of BGR and BGRi. It was very memorable and fun as we did a lot of fun activities, and I met a lot of new people. We were exploring campus and just truly living. I would also say seeing snow for the first time was very memorable as I have never seen snow before. It was magical. One of my favorite spaces at Purdue is Krach Leadership Center. It’s a great place to study!

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I chose to study at Purdue because of the great name the school has. I was being offered a STEM degree at the business school which was quite an opportunity. Currently I am clearing out my requirements to get into the upper division of economics, so my classes are basic right now. I am not yet sure of what I want to do, and I am exploring my interests. I might be interested in behavioral economics or studying the Economics of Crime.

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I have taken one course with PLaCE, that is SCLA 110. I thoroughly enjoyed it and Dr Li made it very fun. It was a required course and it has helped me improve my communication skills as well as respect cultures more. 

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My name is Naisha and I am a freshman majoring in Economics in the Daniels School of Business. I come from Bangalore, India, and this is my first time in the US. I like to read, try new things and meet new people. This year I will be participating in the InnovateHer hackathon and will also be representing Purdue at the 2025 Econ Games. I am also an ambassador at the BWC in Daniels School and hope to grow up the ladder. 

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My goal is to work in the consulting industry, where I can help communities optimize resources effectively and equitably. To achieve this, I want to build a strong hands-on experience through internships, research, and student organizations at Purdue. 

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“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” – Neil Armstrong, upon stepping onto the Moon in 1969. For new international students, taking first small steps, such as overcoming cultural barriers, joining student organizations, or practicing English daily, may feel frightening. If you feel overwhelmed about the first step, remember that PLaCE is a great place to start. Don’t be afraid to participate in workshops (like Conversational Club or Writing Lab) and ask SCLA instructors or advisors for guidance—they are here to help. These small steps will eventually accumulate into a giant leap in personal and academic growth over time.

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I recently found my favorite space at Purdue—the recreational pool in Co-Rec. Not many people seem to know that there is a proper hot spa at the facility (or maybe it was just me). My friend and I spent hours in the spa, having fun. It was unforgettable how the golden light from the sunset reflected on the ceiling. I highly recommend visiting to the spa with your friends!

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I chose to study at Purdue because of the FYE curriculum which allows students to delve into different fields before committing to a major. It has not been long since I decided to pursue IE as my major. In fact, I was very lost in choosing which major I wanted to pursue. Purdue, with its FYE program that guides students to truly find what they want to study, was a perfect fit for me. Throughout the first semester, I attended various callouts and exhibitions, only to realize that IE would be my future path.

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This year, I am taking SCLA 110 and SCLA 111 with Dr. Haiyan Li and participated in the Conversation Club multiple times. The courses and workshops hosted by PLaCE were a perfect way to delve into a new cultural environment. The SCLA courses have been academically useful in learning about different cultures. I particularly found the Conversation Club very helpful and enjoyable for immersing myself in the ‘small talk’ culture.

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Hi! I am Minsu from South Korea. I am currently enrolled in First Year Engineering (FYE) and planning to study Industrial Engineering in the upcoming semester. Before coming to Purdue, I studied in South Korea and the Netherlands. My favorite subject is Math, particularly optimization and statistics. I am especially into Valorant these days! I do not have any professional experience yet, but I am eager to find one.

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In the short term, I want to maintain a high GPA and build connections with professionals in the field. In the long term, I hope to become a mathematician and contribute valuable research to the field.

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One thing I noticed is that native English speakers understood my English better than other international students, which was the opposite of what I expected. At BGRi, I was initially worried when some people struggled to understand me, but when I spoke with native speakers (even though I knew I was making mistakes), they understood me right away. So, my advice is to talk to native speakers without hesitation—it helps a lot. Also, get familiar with the course syllabus and plan ahead, as the academic setup may be different from what you are used to. Be consistent in your studies and maintain a balanced life.

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BGRi and BGR were great experiences where I made some friends. Getting good grades has also been a rewarding experience. I appreciate that the academic workload has been manageable so far. My favorite study spot is WALC because it has a relaxing environment.

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I chose Purdue because I liked the math program, the variety of course offerings, the flexibility in choosing subjects, and the overall environment. One of my math Olympiad tutors was a Purdue alumnus, which also influenced my decision.

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I took SCLA 111 in fall 2024 with Dr. Haiyan Li. I haven’t taken any PLaCE short courses yet, but I am definitely looking forward to joining. I am particularly interested in courses like the Conversation Club or the "American Humor" group.

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My name is Chandhopama Thidas Wanasinghe (Thidas), and I am from Sri Lanka. This is my first time in the U.S. I am a math major in the College of Science at Purdue. My main interest is mathematics, and I have participated in the International Mathematical Olympiad and other international math competitions. These experiences inspired me to pursue math as my field of study. I am looking forward to engaging in undergraduate math research soon.

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My short-term goal is to improve my GPA and apply for Purdue’s 4+1 Bachelor’s/Master’s program in Electrical Engineering. In the long run, I aspire to complete graduate school and contribute to an R&D team specializing in chip design.

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For me, joining clubs and participating in events played a key role in adjusting to a new culture. If you're an engineering student, I highly recommend EPICS courses, where you collaborate on projects in a team. The weekly meetings and discussions are also great for improving communication skills.

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One of my favorite memories at Purdue is joining the Russian Club. We played traditional Russian card games, enjoyed tea and authentic Russian food, and even hosted a barbecue. The people were incredible and I had a fantastic time. My favorite spot on campus is the Bell Tower. During summer and fall, it’s the perfect place to relax—sitting on a bench, listening to my favorite songs, and soaking in the breeze, blue sky, and warm sunshine. It’s even better with some good food to enjoy!

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I chose to study at Purdue because it is one of the top universities for engineering, offering extensive opportunities for hands-on experience. Within my major, students can specialize in various concentrations based on their interests, such as microelectronics and semiconductors, AI and machine learning, and automatic control.

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I took SCLA 110 with Dr. Allen last semester. Throughout the course, we explored self-discovery and shared our personal journeys at Purdue. One of the most valuable topics for me was identifying and analyzing our strengths to better understand how to utilize them effectively. Another insightful lesson was about different working styles. Through this, I realized that I tend to spend a lot of time trying to understand every detail before getting started, rather than diving in quickly. Recognizing this has helped me become more aware of my approach and find ways to work more efficiently.

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I’m Tzu-Yin Pan, a junior studying Electrical Engineering at Purdue University. Originally from Taipei, Taiwan, I previously studied at Feng Chia University in Taichung before transferring to Purdue. Beyond engineering, I have a passion for drawing and even created a set of bear stickers on a messaging app.

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In the short term, I hope to develop practical skills in computer science that will enable me to solve real-world problems more effectively. In the long term, I wish to meet like-minded friends who share my interests and build strong, lasting friendships here in Purdue.

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 I believe that speaking is the most essential aspect of language learning. When I first arrived at Purdue, I lacked confidence in my English-speaking skills, which led me to miss many opportunities to make friends and access valuable resources. However, I’ve come to realize that practice makes perfect. Recently, I registered for a workshop at the Krach Leadership Center, where I practice my spoken English alongside other international students. I understand that improving my fluency takes time, but I am committed to the process and eager to make progress.

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One of my best memories so far has been watching basketball with my classmates. I really enjoyed the time spent together. Let's Boiler Up! My favorite spot would be the CoRec. It is a well-equipped fitness center where you can relax and unwind between your studies.

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Before coming to Purdue, I was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance. However, I realized that I have a deep interest in quantitative finance and aspire to work in a quantitative-related field in the future. To better align my studies with my career goals, I decided to transfer to Purdue and pursue a degree in Mathematics and Statistics.

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I think the best part of the class is the opportunity to communicate with classmates. It helps international students gain a better understanding of different cultures and overcome culture shock, ultimately leading to a more enriching study and living experience here.

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Hi, my name is Sicheng Wu, and I am currently majoring in Mathematics at Purdue University. I come from Anqing, Anhui, China, a small city located beside the Yangtze River. Before coming to Purdue, I studied in Macau, where I had the opportunity to experience a diverse cultural environment. In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball and traveling, as both allow me to stay active and explore new places.

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My short-term goals include securing an internship and research opportunities. In the long term, I plan to complete my graduate studies in semiconductors, hopefully.

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I would say that human connection often transcends national identity, so don’t be intimidated about making friends. Remember, there are many other international students just like you—you are not alone. Try to step out of your comfort zone as much as possible, even if it feels scary. Talk to the people sitting next to you in class. Engage with those in your residence hall. Join a club that interests you and build connections with others. Speak up and put yourself out there. At the same time, be selective and wise about your extracurricular activities because the academic workload here is demanding. Don’t compare your English skills or abilities to others—everyone comes from different backgrounds and environments. Additionally, be prepared for the freezing weather and food differences compared to your home country. As the semester progresses and the workload increases, prioritize your mental health and sleep. You are responsible for everything here—from your food choices to your future career. It’s a “sink or swim” mindset, but the good news is that many people are willing to help you swim. It’s okay not to have everything figured out. Just put in your best effort, and if things don’t work out, reach out for help. If you’re struggling with homework, go to office hours. If you’re facing mental health challenges or need someone to talk to, reach out to CARES. If you have questions about your status as an international student, visit ISS. There are many resources available to support you. Finally, enjoy the journey and embrace every moment—even the tough ones—because life won’t get easier, and time won’t rewind. And when things get difficult, remember this: you got accepted into Purdue. You earned your seat, and you deserve it. You got this!

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The first thing that comes to mind as my best memory is the time I have spent with my best friends here. Every laugh, cry, and smile with them has been priceless. I am truly grateful to have such a supportive group of friends. My favorite place at Purdue is the Krannert Building because it has quiet spaces to study.

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Purdue is known for its solid engineering programs and the tons of opportunities in research, hand-on experience and teamwork. Purdue is very friendly with international students too. Unlike the common opinion, I see the Midwest as a peaceful and quiet place to be in and I enjoy that!

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I took SCLA 110, which was a required course for transitioning into my engineering major as an international student. I would say my experience was positive. This class truly helped me discover who I am and navigate my first semester in college. I learned essential skills that made my academic life easier, such as time management, goal setting, future planning, and study techniques. Additionally, I improved my presentation and public speaking skills. A huge shoutout to Dr. Allen, who made the class so enjoyable and easy to navigate with his unique teaching style and ability to engage students. He created a safe space where we could freely express our ideas and thoughts.

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Hi, my name is Zahraa and I am a first-year engineering student and I want to do electrical and computer engineering. I am Arab and lived my whole life in Syria before coming to Purdue. I am kind, caring, and ambitious. I am interested in semiconductors and AI. I am a marketing officer in the Semiconductor Student Alliance (SSA) and part of the Women in Engineering learning community. 

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At Purdue, my goal is to gain hands-on experience through at least one research position and secure a co-op opportunity to deepen my understanding of engineering applications. In the short term, I am working on balancing my studies with my part-time job while also pursuing an RA position, which will allow me to develop leadership and community-building skills. 
After graduating, I plan to work in an engineering role that incorporates software applications, though I am still exploring specific areas within the field. Beyond my career, I have a strong desire to travel and experience different cultures, with plans to explore Europe, fully travel across India, and visit Australia and New Zealand. 
Through both my academic and professional journey, I hope to grow as a problem-solver, gain global exposure, and continuously challenge myself in both technical and personal aspects. 

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My biggest advice to new international students is: don’t be afraid to explore and do things alone. It’s completely okay to step out of your comfort zone and try new experiences by yourself. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to people, especially your professors—most of them are incredibly helpful and willing to support you. For English improvement and communication, I highly recommend talking to as many people as possible. Engaging in conversations helps improve both social and communication skills, making it easier to adjust to a new environment. One thing I wish I had known when I started is the importance of effective time management. The first semester can feel overwhelming, and I realized too late that I needed better strategies to balance coursework, social life, and personal time. If I could go back, I would make a conscious effort to use time management techniques early on. Some useful resources I recommend: Purdue CCO for academic and professional guidance, resume building, and job search support. Connecting with seniors—they often know about hidden opportunities and can provide valuable advice. Lastly, never stop learning and exploring! Stay curious, seek out new opportunities, and participate in anything that sparks your interest. Purdue has so much to offer—own your journey and make the most of it! 

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One of my favorite spaces at Purdue is the WALC library, as it provides the perfect environment for me to focus and study effectively. Every time I am there, I find it easier to stay productive and engaged with my coursework. 
So far, my best experiences at Purdue include BGR and BGRi, both of which were incredibly welcoming and helped me transition into university life. However, the Jumpstart Orientation stands out as one of the most memorable experiences. It gave me the opportunity to make friends before the semester even started, making the transition to college much smoother. 
From orientation programs to everyday study sessions at WALC, my time at Purdue has been filled with meaningful connections and growth experiences, and I look forward to creating even more memories here. 

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I chose Purdue because it is a renowned STEM school with strong programs in engineering and technology. Coming in, I was unsure about my major and explored multiple options, changing my major four to five times during my first semester. By the end of the semester, I found my  Manufacturing Engineering Technology (MET) with a focus on Design Enterprise Systems. Taking CNIT 180 helped me realize that Computer and Information Technology (CIT) was not the right fit for me, as its software and hardware framework was less hands-on than I preferred. On the other hand, MFET 103 was a perfect blend of AutoCAD, product lifecycle management, and hand sketching techniques, which aligned more with my interests. TECH 120 gave me valuable hands-on teamwork experience, and EPICS introduced me to real-life projects that provided practical exposure to engineering challenges. 
These courses helped me solidify my decision to pursue MET, as I thrive in applied, hands-on learning environments that bridge design, manufacturing, and technology. 

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I took SCLA 110 with Dr. Matthew Allen in the Fall of 2024. This course helped me develop my ability to write and speak with clarity and precision, think critically and creatively, and analyze ideas deeply. The projects and activities challenged me to express my thoughts effectively and refine my work. One of the most valuable aspects of this course was learning how to adapt to change and connect in multicultural environments, which is essential in both academic and professional settings. It also encouraged me to make sound ethical judgments and understand the historical and societal implications of decisions. What I appreciated most about the course was how it pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to engage actively rather than passively absorb information. The instructor’s guidance and feedback helped me improve my communication and analytical skills, which I believe will benefit my future academic and research work.  

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My name is Eliza Kaur Mand. I am pursuing a bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering at Purdue Polytechnic. I am from Kota, Rajasthan, where I completed my high school education. Before joining Purdue, I took a gap year to reflect on life and explore new learning opportunities. My interests lie in the hands-on aspects of engineering, which is why Purdue Polytechnic's applied learning approach appeals to me. During my gap year, I engaged in various experiences, including volunteering, self-learning, and exploring different aspects of technology and design. I look forward to gaining practical skills and industry knowledge that will help shape my future in the field of manufacturing engineering.

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My goal is to continue my studies and pursue a graduate degree in quantitative analysis. After graduation, I hope to become a financial analyst and apply my skills in data and market analysis. At Purdue, I want to gain more hands-on experience, improve my communication skills, and connect with professionals in my field. Beyond academics, I hope to keep playing music, traveling, and exploring new interests while enjoying the process.

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Never be afraid to speak up. The first step is always the hardest, but as long as you’re willing to take it, you’ve already succeeded. In truth, people won’t focus too much on your grammar or pronunciation—what matters is having the courage to express your thoughts. My advice is: seize every opportunity to communicate with classmates or professors, and make good use of translation tools (translation itself is also part of learning English).

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Visiting the historic piano store was a memorable experience. As a piano lover, I was amazed by the collection of pianos dating back to the 19th century. The store had a unique charm, and the owner shared interesting stories about the pianos and their upkeep. It felt like stepping into the past, and I could almost hear the music that once filled the air. It was a special moment that deepened my appreciation for the history of these instruments.

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I chose to study at Purdue because of its strong programs in business analytics and data science. The university provides great resources and a diverse learning environment, which helps me develop my skills. Purdue also offers an open and flexible environment where I can manage my time freely and focus on what I truly want to do. My classes focus on data analysis, statistics, and programming, which are useful for business decision-making. I also take an astronomy class out of personal interest. I enjoy learning about microeconomics, especially market structures and game theory, and I have experience using STATA for statistical analysis. Studying at Purdue has been both challenging and rewarding, helping me grow academically and adapt to a new environment.

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I took the SCLA 110 course to give myself a transition space as I adjusted to life in the U.S. In this class, I gradually felt welcomed and included, thanks to Dr. Allen’s patience and enthusiasm. I really enjoyed how he guided us to explore our goals and taught us time management skills. I also liked the exploration tasks he assigned. The most memorable experience was visiting a piano store in Lafayette. As a piano lover, I never imagined finding such a historic piano shop near Purdue, and it left a deep impression on me.

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My name is Huanci Yang, and my English name is April. I am currently pursuing a degree in Business Analytics at Purdue University. Before transferring to Purdue, I studied at a university in China. I’m originally from Shenzhen, China, a vibrant and modern city. I have a strong interest in data analysis, economics, and market research. Academically, I have challenged myself to adapt to a new educational system and have achieved a perfect score on one of my exams, which was a significant milestone for me. I also enjoy participating in campus activities and recently served as a host for the PUCSSA campus singer competition. Outside of academics, I love singing, spending time with friends, and traveling to explore different cultures. I also have a deep appreciation for beautiful skies and fluffy kittens. My personal philosophy is to enjoy the process rather than just focus on the result.

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I chose Purdue because of its excellent academic standing and post-graduation job opportunities. The best part about Purdue is that apart from clubs and student organizations, there are a lot of Learning Communities that allow students to explore their interests outside of academics. For example, I joined Data Mine with no coding experience but after spending a semester learning the basics of R and Python, I realized I wanted to continue being a part of the Learning Community so that I could incorporate the skills I learned in the LC in my academics. 

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I took SCLA 110 with Dr. Haiyan Li in my first semester of college. I took this class as a prerequisite to SCLA 101/102. I really enjoyed taking this class because it not only helped me improve my speaking and writing skills but also helped me foster friendships with people from diverse backgrounds. I learned how to make video blogs, which built my confidence and helped me ease into speaking comfortably in front of the camera. I also used this class as a means of expanding my knowledge about diverse cultures and teaching my friends about my culture too!

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My name is Vidhita Jain and I’m majoring in Quantitative Business Economics at the Daniels School of Business. I’m from Chandigarh, India, and studied at Strawberry Fields High School. My hobbies include playing basketball, reading, singing and dancing. My interest in Economics sparked when I participated in a research internship in Behavioral Economics under the guidance of Prof. Eduardo Gallo. This is why I chose to pursue Economics in college. 

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At Purdue, I aim to delve deeper into AI research, particularly in LLM development, reinforcement learning, and creative AI applications. I plan to submit high-quality research papers to conferences like ACL and NAACL, participate in industry-focused AI projects, and build a robust academic portfolio. After graduating, I aspire to pursue graduate studies who offers great programs and research in NLP. In the long term, I hope to contribute to the development of innovative AI technologies and become a leader in the field of artificial intelligence.

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For new international students, I recommend focusing on improving English communication skills through consistent practice, engaging in group discussions, and seeking feedback from peers and instructors. Participating in workshops, joining study groups, and attending cultural events can also help with cultural adjustment. I wish I had known earlier how valuable it is to build a network of supportive peers and mentors. My advice is to take advantage of Purdue’s resources, such as the Writing Lab, language courses, and research opportunities, and to stay proactive in seeking help and guidance when needed.

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One of my most exciting and memorable experiences at Purdue was preparing for and attending a research interview with a professor. I was nervous and put in a lot of effort to prepare, which made my heart race with both excitement and anticipation. It’s a moment I cherish as it marked a significant step in my academic journey.

My favorite spaces at Purdue are the “Lawson" (the Computer Science building) and the "DS/AI" building. These spaces are not only closely tied to my major but also provide an excellent environment for studying and collaborating. They are vibrant hubs where I’ve had the opportunity to meet Ph.D. students and mentors, making them special places for learning and networking.

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I chose Purdue University for its strong emphasis on cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence research, as well as its reputation for fostering innovation. My classes have included foundational and advanced AI concepts, mathematics, and programming, which align perfectly with my academic and career goals. My experiences, such as leading research teams and participating in AI bootcamps, have deepened my understanding of machine learning frameworks, LLM optimization, and real-world applications of AI. Purdue provides the resources and environment I need to excel in these areas.

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In my first semester at Purdue, I took SCLA 111 with Professor Haiyan Li. This course significantly improved my English communication skills and gave me the confidence to reach out to other international students and professors without hesitation. The class helped me develop not only my language proficiency but also my ability to engage in meaningful academic and social interactions, which has been invaluable for my growth at Purdue.

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My name is Seunghyun Yoo, and I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence with a Minor in Mathematics at Purdue University. Before coming to Purdue, I studied C and Data Structures at the Seoul Broadcasting System Computer Art Academy in South Korea. I have lived and studied in both South Korea and the United States. My interests include artificial intelligence research, particularly in enhancing large language models (LLMs), and applying AI to creative tasks like puzzle generation. I have led various research initiatives, such as my work with Algoverse AI Research and my role as Founder and Research Director at Carter AI Research Lab. My accomplishments include submitting findings to NAACL SRW 2025 and developing innovative automation tools during my internship in winter.

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Currently, I am not sure what I will be doing in the future after I graduate but I believe I will find a career path soon. In the short term, I have several goals for myself.  For the academic side, I hope I can do well in all my classes and stop procrastinating. Specially, start reviewing for exams a week prior and complete homework and assignments before the day they are due.  For the social side, I definitely wish I can make a few new friends and join one more club. For myself, I hope I can maintain a healthy sleep schedule and start exercising regularly.  

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The two biggest pieces of advice I would give to new international students at Purdue will be “never be afraid” and “always try.”  It will definitely be hard when you first come here, but be brave and reach out to people when you need help. Join clubs and attend events to expand your network and make friends. Interacting and having conversations with people will definitely improve your English speaking and communication skills! Also always try to volunteer to share your opinion during classes, especially in SCLA 110 and 111. Your instructor and peers are always there to listen to you and would love you to share your thoughts and opinions! Whenever you feel lost or depressed, do not hesitate to seek help. There are plenty of resources here at Purdue to help you overcome your challenges. You can go to the On-Campus Writing Lab to have people check your resume or essay.  There is also the Academic Success Center you can visit when you are having trouble with academics.  They offer different services to assist and improve your academics. There is also a lot out there waiting for us to discover! No matter what kind of problem you have, Purdue has a place to solve your issue. 

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I have had a lot of good memories and experiences at Purdue. I guess picking out from all the amazing memories, my top three will be meeting my good friend, joining TSA, and taking SCLA 110 and 111.  In the beginning of the semester, I met one of my best friends. We hung out a lot together, ate a lot of good food, and joined clubs together too! I also joined the Taiwanese Student Association as an officer during my freshman year. It was a fantastic experience. My favorite part was going on the ski trip on the first weekend of the second semester.  It was my first time skiing in the states and I had a lot of fun. My favorite spaces at Purdue are my dorm room, WALC, and the Corec.  I can always rest alone and do whatever I want in my room. For WALC, I love to study at the computer spaces.  I can always study productivity there without being bothered by phone or other stuff because all people in WALC are always very focused. It also makes me want to focus on my work instead of going on my phone or chatting with my friends. 

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There are a lot of reasons I chose to study at Purdue.  First, Purdue has a great reputation among the world.  Also, the major I got accepted at Purdue is my favorite major overall.  For other schools, I either got accepted to economics major or data science major.  However, I would like to pursue a degree in business but with some technical skill which makes BAIM the perfect choice.  As a result, I ended up coming to Purdue.  It turns out that I have made a great choice and I do not regret it at all because I met a lot of amazing people and gained a lot of great experiences throughout the year. 

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I have taken SCLA 110 and am currently taking SCLA 111.  Although I took these classes because of course requirements, I found them interesting and helpful to me. I get to learn about American culture and meet great Professors.  Since the classes are small, I get to have one-on-one interaction with the professor. In these two courses, I worked on projects that I can express my thoughts freely and reflect on the details of my Purdue life. If I did not have these projects, I do not think I would have time to do the actual reflection and make those ideas into a report.  

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My name is Charlene Lin and currently a freshman studying business analytics and information management at Purdue’s Daniel School of Business.  I have been living in Taipei for my entire life before coming to Purdue.  I graduated from an international school in Taipei.  My biggest hobby is baking, especially cookies and cakes. 