Jan. 15, 2024 | Anna Flanagan
In addition to Africa, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Vision 2030 Global Strategy underscores the desire to increase student enrollments from other parts of the Global South, which includes Latin America, the Caribbean, and underrepresented parts of Asia including countries in the Middle East. Many of these countries already appear on the list of 126 that currently are represented in the university’s student body, but their numbers are small.
Iranian student Sahel Moein, who is pursuing a master’s degree in kinesiology, said that unlike other colleges and universities in the U.S. where Iranian students predominantly choose to focus on engineering and basic sciences, Iranian students at Illinois can also be found in the health sciences, art, literature, education and sociology.
“Thanks to the U. of I.’s outstanding reputation and high rankings, earning a degree here is perceived very positively in Iran,” she said. “Graduating from a top-ranked university is a significant advantage when seeking faculty positions there.”
Moein was working as a clinician at a rehabilitation hospital in Iran when she realized there was more that could be done to improve the quality of life of individuals with disabilities.
Given the quality of American institutions of higher education, she decided to pursue her graduate work here. She was drawn to the College of Applied Health Sciences because of its exceptional research in kinesiology and rehabilitation sciences.
“The diverse range of research, encompassing both physical and biomechanical, as well as social and behavioral aspects, greatly piqued my interest and influenced my decision to study here,” she said.
Brazilian student Jonathan Rocha de Oliveira thinks many more Brazilian students would be interested in attending Illinois if they knew about the opportunities here.
“Unfortunately, many folks there do not know what to do to attend such a prestigious institution as Illinois,” he said. “They believe it is impossible, but it is not. I did it so others can make it, too.”
De Oliveira, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism, had always dreamed of studying abroad. He believed the United States, with its significant investment in education and research, would be the place to become the world-class professional he envisioned.
“Illinois’ strong reputation, research opportunities, outstanding resources and internationally renowned faculty drew me here,” he said. The strong interdisciplinary focus and diversity of the College of Applied Health Sciences also got his attention.
“It has expanded my mind in ways I never thought possible. Having different perspectives makes you think outside the box and sparks innovative ideas.”
Fellow Brazilian Ana Laura Selzer Ninomiya, whose doctoral studies in kinesiology focus on exercise psychology, said because of the time involved in getting an advanced degree, choosing the right program is critical. She’s happy with her decision to study at Illinois.
“I’ve been able to form important connections with leaders in my field and with colleagues who have graduated and are pursuing careers. I also have a broader understanding of my professional aspirations and opportunities,” she said. “It definitely makes a difference to have great mentors, a safe and friendly lab environment, and good friends.”
Social contacts can be especially important to international students who are not only adjusting to a large university but also to a new country.
Yadira Alonza Espinoza, a Doctor of Audiology student in Speech and Hearing Science who is from Mexico, said she initially was lonely on campus and had difficulty connecting with others. Over time, she has created long-lasting relationships and is having, in her words, “one of the best experiences of my life.”
“Graduate school is tough and really tests your resilience, but I have kept a positive mindset thanks to many of my close friends,” she said. “The Office of Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; La Casa Cultural Latina; and my SHS mentor, Dr. Fatima Husain, have made my experience at Illinois an incredible one thus far.
