The Office of International Student Services annually welcomes a diverse community of learners from across the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe. Meet a few of our students from abroad.
Click a name to show or hide the bio.
Abena Serwaa Atwimah
Abena Serwaa Atwimah
Major: Pre-Nursing
Why did you choose Owens? I chose Owens because it’s closer to my brother and affordable. I was supposed to enroll at another school, but heard about Owens and because of the affordability, I applied and here I am!
What do you like about the U.S.? I really like the educational system because it’s not as rigorous as the British educational system which I was exposed to until I came to the U.S. I also love the diversity. I have met people from different countries that I never thought I would ever get to meet and have conversations with (them). I like the seasons (weather), even though winter is long. I think fall is my favorite season.
What do you like/miss about home? I miss my parents the most as well as the food. The Ghanaian food here doesn’t taste the same as the one back home.
What do you like about Owens Community College? I like how small it is making it easier to get around to the different buildings. Also, I like how the professors get to know students and are open to help students.
Hobbies or unique interests? I love baking, cooking, watching TV shows and Korean drama. Recently, I’ve been interested in photography and editing pictures as well as learning Spanish.
Jessey Richmond Sefah Boakye
Jessey Richmond Sefah Boakye
City, Country of Origin: Kumasi, Ghana
Major: Business Administration
Why did you choose Owens? Owens offers resources that are right for me and as an educational institution.
What do you like about the U.S.? The culture, the overall economic development and hardworking ethics.
What do you like/miss about home? I miss some of my friends back home.
What do you like about Owens Community College? The environment, full of nice people, faculty and staff.
Hobbies or unique interests? Reading books, networking with people and playing basketball.
Lucy Kiingati
Lucy Kiingati
City, Country of Origin: Nairobi, Kenya
Major: Pre-Nursing
Why did you choose Owens? I wanted to pursue a nursing career here.
What do you like about the U.S.? The people are friendly and the education system is advanced.
What do you like/miss about home? I miss my family and home food.
What do you like about Owens Community College? The professors are supportive and the students are friendly. I love the environment as well.
Hobbies or unique interests? Watching movies, traveling and swimming.
Mahmod Hamdallah
Mahmod Hamdallah
City, Country of Origin: Jordan
Major: Engineering
Why did you choose Owens? It was affordable and it was close to where my extended family lives.
What do you like about the U.S.? Accessibility to all learning resources, academic success centers and the library is very easy.
What do you like/miss about home? I miss my family very much, especially the family atmosphere and eating meals together.
What do you like about Owens Community College? The social atmosphere of the college is wonderful. The teachers and staff, especially international student services staff are welcoming, pleasant and helpful.
Hobbies or unique interests? I like to read historical books. I also enjoy interacting with other cultures to learn about their traditions.
Maha Elaskary
Maha Elaskary
City, Country of Origin: Egypt
Job on campus: Peer Advisor, International Student Services
Major: Supply Chain & Logistics
Why did you choose Owens? It is really a good place to start my college journey, especially as an international student. I had the support that I needed to understand the system and processes as an international student.
What do you like about the U.S.? I like the seasonal changes, which we do not have. I especially love the beauty of snow-covered trees in winter.
What do you like/miss about home? I miss everything, especially the warm weather, the food and my friends.
What do you like about Owens Community College? People at Owens are helpful and friendly, including the instructors.
Hobbies or unique interests? Drawing fashion designs
Ratna Fanita
Ratna Fanita
City, Country of Origin: Jakarta, Indonesia
Major: Logistic/Supply Chain Management
Why did you choose Owens? I chose Owens because it is affordable and has the major that I wish to study.
What do you like about the U.S.? I like the diversity and the education system in the U.S.
What do you like/miss about home? I like the traditional market where people sell fresh produce and delicious food. I also like the Indonesian community where neighbors are like a family. And I miss the Indonesian foods like rendang, satay and soto.
What do you like about Owens Community College? The professors are approachable and supportive. Also, everyone is welcoming and helpful; from the advisors to the staff in the food court.
Hobbies or unique interests? I like to explore recipes and cook ethnic foods.
Sairam Garimella
Sairam Garimella
City, country of origin: Hyderabad, India
Major: Computer Science
Why did you choose Owens? Starting my career at Owens Community College was a great start to my academics before I land into my dream university to finish my bachelor’s. The collaborative environment at Owens helps student like me to get closer in achieving our dreams. Owens has an excellent course curriculum for computer science. I found flexible schedules for my classes and it is much affordable with high educational standards.
What do you like about the U.S.? U.S. is very welcoming towards foreigners like me. I really like the education system in United States of America. It is a great way of global exposure for me in order to develop myself and evolve as a better person. It is my country of dreams. Since childhood, it is always my dream to pursue my higher studies in U.S.
What do you like/ miss about home? India is known for its culture and traditions. I like the traditions and festivals celebrated in India. I miss celebrating them with my family. I miss my family the most but I feel joining Owens is worth staying away from home.
What do like about Owens Community College? I like the support available to the students at Owens. It has a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere for international students like me.
Hobbies or unique interests: Gaming, cooking, swimming.
Sara Alnassir
Sara Alnassir
City, country of origin: Saudi Arabia
Major: Accounting
Why did you choose Owens? I think that Owens is one of the best community colleges and SACM recommended.
What do you like about the U.S.? The U.S. has many of the best and most prestigious universities.
What do you like/ miss about home? Everything there.
What do like about Owens Community College? That they take care of everything to make you succeed.
Sawsan M Alnassir
Sawsan M Alnassir
City, Country of Origin: Dhahran City, Saudi Arabia
Major: Hospitality Management
Why did you choose Owens? I read about Owens online and saw that it has a good reputation.
What do you like about the U.S.? The weather, independence.
What do you like/miss about home? There is nothing like home. I miss my family. In the KSA, prices are reasonable.
What do you like about Owens Community College? The location, and the positive attitude of staff.
Hobbies or unique interests? Reading books. Learning new things, such as new languages and sign language.
Maria Guadalupe Lopez Davila
Maria Guadalupe Lopez Davila
City, Country of Origin: Valencia, Venezuela
Major(s): Political Sciences
Why did you choose Owens? I chose Owens because I think it is a perfect start to my educational journey. Owens helps me to adapt to the U.S. education system and provides me with resources to face this new adventure.
What do you like about the U.S.? Since I can remember, the U.S. always has been a place I wanted to visit. On my first visit, I just fell in love with the diversity of people, and all the different places to visit. Something else I admire is the respect and value for education and work.
What do you like/miss about home? What I like about Venezuela is the happiness and the way that people see life; Venezuelans are very optimistic, hard workers and humble people. What I miss about home is my family, friends, our food and the tropical weather.
What do you like about Owens Community College? I like the kindness and good disposition that people have to help each other; I like to have small classes because it allows the opportunity to get to know your classmates and this helps to create a good environment where you can feel comfortable.
Hobbies or unique interests? In my culture, music and dance are important hobbies; also I like read books and watch the sunset; another activity I like to do is participate in the Model of the United Nations.
Tatiana Frolova
Tatiana Frolova
City, Country of Origin: Tula, Russia
Major: Pre-Physical Therapist Assistant
Why did you choose Owens? I chose Owens because it is the best place for me with professional and friendly teachers and staff.
What do you like about the U.S.? Beautiful nature
What do you like/miss about home? I miss my family
What do you like about Owens Community College? Highly qualified, friendly and professional teachers with a lot of patience. Wonderful international advising.
Hobbies or unique interests? Reading and going to the gym.
Hanssel Ismael Martinez Guerra
Hanssel Ismael Martinez Guerra
City, Country of Origin: Peten Flores, Guatemala
Major: Broadcast Media Technology
Why did you choose Owens? Owens offers programs with many good career prospects
What do you like about the U.S.? The U.S. is a wonderful country because it is a good place to live and study.
What do you like/miss about home? I miss my family who are so important to me. I also miss the delicious food.
What do you like about Owens Community College? People at Owens are so friendly and the professors too.
Hobbies or unique interests? I make YouTube videos and I am a photographer and filmmaker too.
Banji Munachonga
Banji Munachonga
City, Country of Origin: Choma, Zambia
Major: Nursing
Why did you choose Owens? I chose Owens because of its affordable price.
What do you like about the U.S.? The people are friendly and welcoming. I also like the change of seasons.
What do you like/miss about home? I miss the warm weather, my family and various Zambian foods.
What do you like about Owens Community College? The small class sizes and the friendly staff who are very helpful and reach out to help the students on a one-on-one basis.
Hobbies or unique interests? Knitting, baking, singing and listening to music.
Alexandre Martin-Diamandè
Alexandre Martin-Diamandè
City, Country of Origin: France
Major: Business Management Technology
Why did you choose Owens? Owens is affordable. It also helps me to adjust to the U.S education system and will allow me to earn credits to transfer to a 4-year school.
What do you like about the U.S.? I like the culture and find the differences between the U.S. and French culture interesting.
What do you like/miss about home? French food!
What do you like about Owens Community College? I like the teachers and the fact that there are many activities in which to participate.
Hobbies or unique interests? I love sport and have a keen interest in business.