WAU: Where International Students Find Home and Success
TAKOMA PARK, Md. — Diversity, inclusion, and spiritual growth are the cornerstones of Washington Adventist University (WAU), where international students are assured a warm welcome. In the current academic year, WAU has demonstrated its worldwide appeal by providing high-quality education to driven youth from across the globe, achieving record-breaking enrollment figures. The influx of new students has breathed new life into the university environment, enhancing its cultural diversity and overall value.
WAU takes pride in its international campus, which boasts students hailing from 45 different countries, all of whom consider WAU their “second home.” It is a campus known for its friendliness and safety, where students receive unwavering support in their academic endeavors as they pursue top-notch education in the nation’s capital.
At present, WAU hosts 103 international students on student visas, with 28% enrolled in graduate/master’s degree programs and the remaining 72% pursuing undergraduate/bachelor’s degrees. The gender distribution among international students stands at 55% male and 45% female. Over the past five years, there has been a steady increase in the percentage of international students at WAU, with undergraduate enrollment increasing by 10% and graduate enrollment by 31%.
This academic year has seen a significant rise in the number of students from countries such as India, Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, Nigeria, the UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, and the Netherlands. Among the undergraduate students, the most popular programs, in descending order, are Business Administration, Nursing, Music Performance, General Studies, Biology, Sports Fitness Management, Medical Laboratory Science, Radiologic Technology, Healthcare Administration, and Theology. The graduate programs with high enrollment include MA in Healthcare Administration, MBA, Nursing, MA Counseling Psychology, and Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Dr. Manuel, the advisor for international students, serves as a mentor and supervisor for their international experience. She stated, “I have a passion for working with international students. My prior experience in multicultural campuses has equipped me to understand the needs of students from diverse cultures and nationalities. I provide academic and non-academic advising, assist with cultural adjustments through engagement, programs, activities, and conversations.”
She added, “The best part of my job is witnessing students achieve their academic goals, graduate, and become valuable contributors in their home countries and around the world.” As the Designated School Official (DSO), Dr. Manuel acts as a liaison between international students, WAU, and the U.S. Government, guiding students through the process of studying in the U.S. and maintaining their immigration status.
Some of the responsibilities involved in her role include interpreting and communicating immigration regulations and policies to students, meeting compliance deadlines, and preparing reports. Dr. Manuel also works to promote and enhance an understanding of and appreciation for cultural diversity among WAU staff, faculty, domestic, and international students, aiming to integrate the institution into a global community.
Gabriel Sanchez, a senior at WAU, is nearing the end of his journey as an international student. He has shown a strong interest in athletics, participating in soccer and cross-country programs due to his natural talent. Beyond sports, he has actively engaged with the university, serving as a student senator and student ambassador. Sanchez expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he received at WAU, which quickly became his second home. He formed meaningful relationships with friends and professors and appreciated the opportunities that WAU provided, including access to renowned institutions like the International Monetary Fund.
“I wouldn’t be the person I am today without WAU,” said Sanchez. “I’ve grown significantly during my time here. WAU has taught me valuable life lessons and helped me prioritize my goals. Despite the challenges of being an international student, I’ve become resilient and persistent.”
Angel Contreras, a recent addition to WAU, began his first semester with a passion for music and an eagerness to learn from the university’s esteemed viola instructor. His daily routine underwent a transformation, transitioning from a flexible freelance worker to a student with a demanding class and practice schedule. Adapting to a new environment can be challenging for international students, including adjusting to different cuisines, weather, and cultures. However, Contreras remains positive about his choice, saying, “Despite the challenges of time management, the opportunity to meet people from around the world and pursue my music aspirations makes me proud of my choice every day.”
WAU continues to attract enterprising international students, aiming to expand its global reach annually. These kinds of students are instances of the work that the university is implementing to shape a reality of winners, emphasizing success over origin.”