This story is one within a multi-part series highlighting the aspirations, hopes and dreams of a few of Rowan University’s international students. Read our other stories. Four international students who study four different disciplines share their professional goals, aspirations and how they are building the foundations of their careers at Rowan University. Today we hear […]
international admissions
International Student College Juniors Reflect on Their Journeys and Goals at Rowan University
This story is one within a multi-part series highlighting the aspirations, hopes and dreams of a few of Rowan University’s international students. Read the other stories. Meet rising seniors Aayush Kapri from Nepal, Doménica Gusqui Gavidia from Quito, Ecuador, and Abigail Jones from Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. What is your long-term professional goal […]
Two Computer Science Graduate Students at Rowan
This story is one within a multi-part series highlighting the aspirations, hopes and dreams of a few of Rowan University’s international students. Read the other stories. How will this degree support your dreams and goals? This degree is giving me the knowledge on the skills that I need to be successful in this field.” – […]
Exploring Global Horizons: One Rwandan’s Journey in International Studies & Globalization at Rowan University
Myrana sitting inside of the Rohrer College of Business
One Rowan University Indian Graduate Student Reflects on His Journey at Rowan University, Computer Science Education and International Community
This story is one within a multi-part series highlighting the aspirations, hopes and dreams of a few of Rowan University’s international students. Read the other stories. What is your long-term professional goal or dream career? “My long-term professional goal is to become an expert in cloud architecture and full stack development. I aspire to architect […]
One Rowan University Pharmaceutical Science Graduate Student’s Professional Goals & Career Aspirations
This story is one within a multi-part series highlighting the aspirations, hopes and dreams of a few of Rowan University’s international students. Read the other stories. What Rowan professors or Rowan classes have been most helpful and enlightening to you, and how? “To begin with, the majority of the professors at Rowan University exhibit a […]
Finding My Home Away from Home at Rowan University Through the Student Organization Fair
Nicholas Wright, a junior health science communication and communication studies double major, from Gloucester County, NJ shares this first-person perspective on how he found a home away from home on Rowan campus.
As a freshman at Rowan University, I was nervous about the transition from high school to college. I had heard stories from friends and family members about how difficult it can be to adjust to a new environment, but I was determined to make the most of my college experience.
One of my biggest concerns was finding my place on campus. I wanted to get involved in activities and clubs, but I didn’t know where to start. Luckily, during my first week at Rowan, I stumbled upon the student activities fair.
The student activities fair is an event where all the clubs and organizations on campus set up tables to showcase their group and recruit new members. I was amazed at the variety of groups available, from academic clubs to sports teams to service organizations. As I walked around the fair, I was struck by the passion and enthusiasm of the students involved in each group.
After talking to a few club representatives, I decided to join the International Student Association. As an international student myself, I was excited to meet other students who shared my background and interests. Joining the club was one of the best decisions I made during my freshman year. I was able to make friends, learn about different cultures, and participate in fun events and activities throughout the year.
In addition to the International Student Association, I also joined the Rowan Ambassadors program. The Rowan Ambassadors serve as official hosts and representatives of the university at events such as open houses and campus tours. Through the program, I was able to develop my leadership skills, meet other students who were passionate about representing Rowan, and gain valuable experience in event planning and public speaking.
Aside from the clubs and activities, I also found a sense of community through my professors and academic advisors. Whenever I needed guidance or support, they were always there to offer their expertise and advice. They helped me navigate the transition to college and provided me with the resources and support I needed to succeed in my classes.
Looking back on my freshman year, I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that Rowan University has provided me with. From joining clubs to building relationships with professors, I have found a home away from home on this campus. If you’re a future college student or parent, I encourage you to explore all that Rowan has to offer. It may seem daunting at first, but with an open mind and a willingness to try new things, you can find your place on this campus too.
Read this story for another perspective of the student organization fair from upperclassmen involved on campus.
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Written by: Nicholas Wright, junior health science communication and communication studies double major
Story edited by: Valentina Giannattasio, junior dance and marketing double major
International Student Discusses Why Radio TV Film Major
Eren Barokas is a sophomore student here at Rowan University majoring in Radio, Television, and Film. Eren is from Istanbul, Turkey, and first heard about Rowan University through his cousin who graduated from Rowan a few years ago. After discovering that at Rowan he could pursue his dream of furthering his education in film and […]
International Student, Violinist, Shares: Why Rowan [VIDEO]
Juan Yanez, an international junior from Venezuela, shares his experience as a violinist in the music performance program. He thanks his professor Jiannan Cheng for connecting him to the resources to guide him through the process of becoming a Rowan University student. Video by:Quintin Stinney, sophomore radio/TV/film major
#PROFspective: International Student Nam Phuong Nguyen Hoang
Today, we speak with Nam Phuong Nguyen Hoang, a junior Nutrition major from Đà Nẵng, Việt Nam who commutes from Cape May. Nam Phuong will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof.
Your name: Nam Phuong Nguyen Hoang
Your major(s): Nutrition
Are you a first-generation college student? No
Your year: Junior
Transfer student: Yes. I transferred my credits from Atlantic Cape Community College.
Hometown: Đà Nẵng, Việt Nam
Where do you live? Cape May, NJ (Cape May County)
Commuter: Yes, this [fall] semester I [commuted] 5 days a week from Cape May.
Academic clubs you are a part of: Nutrition Care Club, student member of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Social clubs you are a part of: Volunteer for the Community Foodbank of New Jersey, Social Media Volunteer for Clinical Nutrition Management Dietetic Practice Group.
Share an “aha!” moment you’ve had within your major that made you feel passionate about your intended field.
This is my first semester at Rowan as a Dietetics student. I have to say that the Department of Health Sciences keeps me excited every week with weekly emails about different opportunities for internship/jobs/volunteer experiences for Rowan students in our field. Recently, I received an email about an internship for students who are interested in attending the Health Promotion Conference in South Carolina. The chapter will cover the transportation and hotel fee for the accepted interns, and the conference fee is waived for interns. How cool is that!
Describe for us an experience you’ve shared with a professor in which you felt like you were working with a visionary in your field.
I really enjoy my Intro to Nutrition Profession class with Dr. [Christina] Riccardo. In this class, we are encouraged to develop our professional philosophies, making connections, identify both professional and personal future goals, as well as build positive growth mindset. As we are still in the preparation for the program, I think it is very important for each of us to reflect and know what we really want to do in the future, as we don’t want to enter the program and realize it’s not what we thought it to be, right?
Describe for us an on-campus experience (academic or non-academic) in which you felt that your future goals are supported.
The Office of Career Advancement (OCA) in Savitz Hall is very helpful and valuable for me as well as anyone who is a current Rowan student. Most of the time a good GPA is not enough to get the job that we want; it is also about how we present ourselves in person and on paper. It is sometimes quite intimidating for many students to create a professional resume, prepare for an interview or search for job opportunities. The OCA helps students learn how to write a proper cover letter, résumé, do mock interviews and find jobs and internships. I think this service is absolutely amazing. I received a lot of help and I am very grateful for all the feedback and suggestions from the faculty in this office.
Could you share a moment you’ve experienced in which you have felt that Rowan is a welcoming environment for you?
Rowan has a diverse college environment where people with different backgrounds, personalities and perspectives come together. The diversity is a great opportunity for students to learn and grow from each other. In the midst of diversity, there are associations for students with particular interests, and that made me feel like I belong. The second week at Rowan, at the Fall Festival, I met the Vietnamese Student Association. That made me feel so happy when there is diversity and ethnic integrity.
Why did you choose Rowan?
I want to be a Registered Dietitian and the first thing to do to become one is to get my education at an accredited institution. I did my research and found that Rowan is one of the 62 accredited colleges in America that offers the program I am pursuing, which I think is so awesome. I had a chance to talk to my current academic advisor, Ms. Dwyer, a year before I applied to Rowan. She helped me with what I should expect and what I should do to prepare for the program. As I learn more about the program, I am so excited to see Rowan expanding the opportunities for Dietetics students.
What’s your favorite thing about your typical Monday at Rowan?
I am taking 17 credits this semester, plus 15 hours commuting per week, so currently my favorite thing to do during the week is enjoy my coffee and podcast as I drive to campus. Some days I listen to Spotify, and other days I listen to podcasts. One of my favorite things about my days at Rowan is my studying time at the Campbell Library between classes. The staff is very friendly, and there are a lot of quiet study spaces for individual use as well as group use. Also, the printers at Rowan are awesome.
Like what you see, come visit us!
Story by:
Nam Phuong Nguyen Hoang, junior nutrition major
Photography by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major
#PROFspective: International Engineering Student Thai Nghiem
Name: Thai Nghiem
Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Minor: Computer Science
Year: Senior
Are you a first-generation college student? No
Hometown and county: Hanoi, Vietnam
Commuter: Yes. I’m commuting from Franklinville, NJ (Gloucester County)
Academic clubs you are a part of: Bantivoglio Honors Concentration, Tau Beta Pi – Engineering Honor Society
Social clubs you are a part of: Rowan Cru – Secretary
Do you work on campus? I worked in the library as a Technology Desk Specialist for a year.
Share an “aha!” moment you’ve had within your major that made you feel passionate about your intended field. I was always good at math and physics in high school, and since Rowan offered an outstanding engineering program, I did not hesitate to choose engineering as my major.
Describe an on-campus experience (academic or non-academic) in which you felt that your future goals are supported. I found the Career Fair on-campus very helpful, as I landed many interviews and two internships. The two engineering internships were with Ellenby Technologies and American Water. Both of them offered me competitive pay and treated me as a regular employee; they trusted and assigned me with great responsibilities. I had a great time interning with them and gained a great deal of practical knowledge and industrial experience. I would recommend everybody of all majors attend the Rowan Career Fair.
Could you share a moment you’ve experienced in which you have felt that Rowan is a welcoming environment for you? My freshman year (2015), Rowan Cru held a Halloween party at the International House, where I used to live. As an international student, I did not have a lot of friends back then, especially those who are American. The event was a great deal to me, as I got to meet and talk to new people who were very friendly and helpful. Since it’s hard for an international student to get a car and a driving licence, many of them offered me rides to ShopRite whenever I needed. Furthermore, they invited me to be a part of their club — Rowan Cru, where I continued to make new wonderful relationships and great memories.
Why did you choose Rowan? Actually, Rowan found and chose me. I uploaded my resume on a merit-aid website, and Rowan officials contacted me. Due to the generous international scholarship, I was able to attend Henry Rowan College of Engineering.
On your busiest day, what academic, non-academic and social responsibilities are you juggling? On my busiest day, I am juggling between exams, my part-time job at the library, and leading a Bible study session at Rowan Cru. There are tough times, but those are what make us a better person. My friends in Cru, as well as my classmates, help each other through stressful times. I really appreciate these people and always enjoy spending time with them.
Like what you see, come visit us!
Story by:
Thai Nghiem, senior electrical and computer engineering major
Photography by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major
#PROFspective: International Student & Marketing Major Marko Minic
Today, we speak with Marko Minic, a senior Marketing major and Sports Communication and Media minor from Belgrade, Serbia who lives on-campus. Marko will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how he’s getting the most out of his college experience as a Rowan Prof.
Name: Marko Minic 
Major: Marketing
Minor: Sports Communication & Media
Year: Senior
Transfer Student: Yes, I transferred to Rowan from the University of Rio Grande.
Hometown: Belgrade, Serbia
On-Campus Resident: Yes, I am an RA in Mimosa Hall.
Academic club: Secretary, Sports Communication and Media Club
Athletic club: Basketball Club
Social club: Treasurer, International Club
Do you work on campus? If so, where/what do you do? Yes, I am a Resident Assistant, an Admissions Ambassador and I work at the Rec Center.
Describe an experience you’ve shared with a professor in which you felt like you were working with a visionary in your field. There are a handful of professors at Rowan who I have had meaningful conversations with. Professor Kate Harman made a big impact on me when I took her Intro to Sports Communications class. She was always a great mentor and I am still in contact with her through the Sports CAM club. One thing that made her stand out was her high energy and her ability to see the big picture.
Describe for us an on-campus experience in which you felt that your future goals are supported. 
Every week, as a part of the Sports CAM club, I attend the “Pizza with the Pros” session where outside employers in the sports industry come and talk to us about their careers. It’s a great networking opportunity and is helping me a lot with my employment opportunities and career goals.
Could you share a moment you’ve experienced in which you have felt that Rowan is a welcoming environment for you?Meeting Charles Barkley, a retired NBA player, through Pizza with the Pros, and having a private reception with him.
On your busiest day, what academic, non-academic and social responsibilities are you juggling? 
Monday is a packed day from me. I have classes back to back from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. I always go for a workout before my busy day starts at 7 a.m. After that I usually go either to the admissions office or the Rec Center to do some work before our weekly meeting at 6 p.m. Finally, I come back to my room in Mimosa Hall, usually around 8 p.m, and see how things are going with my residents. Sometimes, as a part of my RA job, I am on duty for the building or assisting residents. If not, I use some time to catch up on some homework or just relax.
Like what you see, come visit us!
Story and photography by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major
International #PROFspective: Biochemistry Major Tsion Abay
Today we speak with Tsion Abay, a sophomore biochemistry major originally from Ethiopia, who commutes to Rowan from Williamstown, Gloucester County. Tsion shares her #PROFspective with us on with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University international student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof. Name: Tsion […]
9 Things to Know About Rowan’s International Center
Dr. Li Yang, the Director of the International Center and the Intensive English Language Program, and Katelyn Sullivan, the administrative assistant, share with us 9 things we need to know about the International Center here at Rowan. 1. Rowan hosts 170 international students The International Center assures that our international students have a smooth transition coming from abroad […]