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? “I see myself as a cloud engineer; it’s my dream career.” Are you involved in internships, clubs, networking, etc. here […]
international center
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 […]
Empowering Dreams: Meet Sreypich Heng, A Rowan University International Computer Science Senior Pursuing a Career in UX/UI Design
This story is the first in 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, or dream career, is to become a skilled UX/UI designer. I wouldn’t have thought that […]
Radio, TV, Film Major on Choosing Rowan from Istanbul, Turkey & Tips for International Students
Academic and Networking Opportunities and Rowan’s Cost Makes It a Strong Fit for This International Student Like what you see? Story by: Jordyn Dauter, junior dance & elementary education double major Photos by: Joseph Conte
Future Nonprofit Leader: Insights and Advice from an International Student MBA Candidate
“I started with getting my undergraduate degree in Public Administration & Management back in my home country. I transitioned from a fellowship program that I had here in the United States, and I was trying to figure out how I wanted to reshape my career path. When I decided to go back to school, my […]
The Benefits of Taking Education Abroad for Fashion Marketing and Communication
The best things in life happen when you least expect it. In January 2022, I was a full-time Public Relations student with a dual minor in Psychology and Sports Communication and Media, looking for a new adventure and a change of pace. For most of my life, I was an individual who always had a […]
#PROFspective: Computer Science Major, Basketball Player, International Student Marko Pantovic
Today we speak to Marko Pantovic, a senior Computer Science major and basketball student-athlete from Belgrade, Serbia. Marko transferred to Rowan University from Maryville University in Missouri. Marko tells us about the chance experience that led him to Rowan and shares his advice for future international students.
How did you end up transferring to Rowan?
In the summer of 2018, my brother was just getting married. He had been dating his girlfriend for eight years. They both met at Drexel. They had a wedding in Philly that summer. My family and I decided to look at schools around the area because they lived in Mullica Hill, NJ. I decided to look at Rowan. The school looked great, and they had the major I wanted to do. The D3 level doesn’t matter. Basketball doesn’t matter. Joe Crispin, the Rowan Men’s Basketball coach, set up a tour for me right after I email him. I did the tour, and then I committed right on the spot. I loved everything about Rowan. It was also great to be near my brother for the first time in years.
How did moving closer to your brother affect your college career?
My brother became more of a father figure towards me, which I didn’t expect. I really appreciated him because he’s been pushing me to be my best, not just in school, but also on the court and with everything else. He’s shown me how it looks like living life here. I loved every second I’ve been here.
What was it like, transitioning to life in the United States?
Well, I know some people from back home who felt so homesick they had to go back home. I have never felt that way, but I think it was because my older siblings came to the United States as well. I did a prep year before going to college, and there were three or four Serbs there, as well as other international students. The next year, I felt by myself. The holidays and winter break were especially lonely. Winter break felt like it would never end. That was a big reason I wanted to transfer to Rowan. Now that I am living with my brother, his wife and my two little nephews, I feel at home. I don’t get as homesick as I did before.
Do you have any advice for future international students on how to make yourself at home?
My brother was not the only person who made me feel at home here. I also give credit to Nick and Rob, two of the other seniors on the basketball team. They accepted me as soon as I came here. I would say finding a group of friends is important. You can find one on your team, in your major, or through other international students at the International Center.
The International Center here is great. They have banquets, meet-and-greets, and other events. They were especially helpful my first semester here when I was trying to see if there was anyone else from my country here.
How did you choose your major?
Computer science is really vast. Cybersecurity, everything we do on our phones and computers, is all computer science. A cash register at a store is computer science. The vastness attracted me, and I wanted to explore it. My dad works at an IT company, so I have been exposed to it. Ever since I was a kid, I have always loved computers and loved working with them. I had never experienced software and programming, so I have been learning a lot in my courses. I learned how much I like computer science, and how vast it is.
What is your favorite part of computer science?
I’ve had a lot of software development classes the last two semesters, which have been amazing and I’ve had so much fun with them. I’d like to focus on software development, but I’m not sure if I want to do it in web apps or mobile apps.
Do you have a favorite moment with your basketball team?
In Serbia, we take basketball really seriously. The fans are passionate; they chant and support their team, and they yell at the other team. I love that kind of environment. We had a setting like that in Jersey City, and we won the game. It was awesome, and I’ll never forget it.
What made you feel that you made the right decision, coming to Rowan?
The whole Rowan experience, I’m really thankful for it. I didn’t think school would be this great. I always knew I was going to stick through it. I always knew I would finish school with a degree in something. When I was here, I literally had a feeling I didn’t want to leave. Rowan has become a second home for me, and I’m really thankful for it.
See our video with Marko here:
Like what you see?
Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, junior communication studies and public relations double major
Photos by:
Valentina Giannattasio, first year dance and marketing double major
Rowan Athletics
Family photo submitted by:
Marko Pantovic
#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 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
Best of Both Worlds: International Student Merges Love of Marketing & Basketball at Internship
For senior international student Marko Minic, a Marketing major from Serbia, (basket)ball is life! He came to the United States in 2016 to pursue an education in business and to continue playing the sport he loves.
“It’s business-oriented in America, and I felt that I could prosper here with an education in some sort of business, but I didn’t know what I wanted to study specifically,” he says. “I came to the conclusion that marketing was a good fit for me because I enjoy communicating and interacting with new people. I don’t just want to do the behind the scenes work; I want to be in the field of action.”
Marko decided to look into the Sports Communication and Media minor, which was brand new at the time, to combine his passion for sports and his knowledge in marketing. Dr. John Giannini, founding director of Rowan University’s Center for Sports Communication and Social Impact, was a mentor of sorts to Marko throughout his first year in the program, guiding him to find his niche in the industry.
“I got to know Dr. Giannini through my involvement in the Sports Communication Club, and he introduced me to an organization called Hoop Group. We decided it would be a great fit for an internship for me because of my interests. He connected me to the group and encouraged me to reach out for an opportunity he knew of, and the rest is history.”
This past summer, Marko accepted an offer as a marketing intern for Hoop Group, a renowned basketball training camp located in Pennsylvania. He spent his days capturing all that Hoop Group has to offer through its prestigious programs — photographing training sessions, managing the company social media accounts and staying in touch with camp alumni. He conducted player interviews each week for spotlights on the company blog, dabbled in Lightroom and Photoshop and weighed in on web design decisions.
But for Marko, the best part of the internship was the hands-on involvement with both basketball and marketing. “Being able to watch the games and be part of the action in an environment that I’ve grown up around, and being able to provide valuable materials to the company was the most rewarding part for me,” he says. “I learned a lot about editing and content design and had a nice mixture of both behind-the-scenes work in the office and being out in the action, photographing players and getting to know people. To see things from the other perspective, being on the production side of things, was pretty cool for me, since I had never thought about the detailed work that goes into events like this.”
As Marko enters his senior year, his schedule is brimming with a combination of academic and athletic commitments: “Nowadays, I have less time to dedicate solely to sports, so luckily Rowan has so many options to still play on club or intramural teams while balancing everything else in life.”
The “everything else in life” just happens to consist of more great opportunities for Marko, such as an internship this semester with the Rowan Recreation Center and with Rowan Athletics next semester!
“I’ve learned that my professors are really here to support my career. That small positive word of mouth really put me on top and helped me stand out among the rest of the applicants [for Hoop Group],” he reflects. “Everything I’m doing is pretty exciting and rewarding right now, so I’m looking forward to the future.”
Like what you see? Come visit us!
Story and photography by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major
#PROFspective: Strategic Communications & Public Relations Master’s Student MST Aysha Siddika
Today, we speak with Aysha Siddika, a graduate student in strategic communications and public relations from Bangladesh who lives off campus. Aysha 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. Name: MST Aysha Siddika […]
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 […]