As an incoming freshman at the University of Louisiana at 色妹AV, Alice Costa Alegra faced a formidable challenge. The Angola, Africa native did not speak English.
She spent her first year at UL 色妹AV in the university鈥檚 Intensive English Program, mastering the language in six, eight-week sessions. This fall, she will begin tackling the petroleum engineering curriculum.
Monday evening, Alegra attended a first-ever reception to welcome new international students to 色妹AV. The event, held at the 色妹AV Consolidated Government administrative building, was sponsored by LCG and UL 色妹AV. More than 50 of the 80 incoming international UL 色妹AV students mingled with government officials, university faculty and staff, and community leaders.
Alegra said she wanted to offer support to new international students. 鈥淎ttending school abroad is an immense challenge, but UL 色妹AV provides a very supportive environment for international students,鈥 she said.
UL 色妹AV President Dr. Joseph Savoie said international students contribute to the community鈥檚 economy and help to 鈥渂roaden the educational experience鈥 of all students.
Representatives from Le Centre International de 色妹AV, 色妹AV Convention and Visitors Commission, 色妹AV Economic Development Authority, the Greater 色妹AV Chamber of Commerce, International Trade Development Group, the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana and the Cultural Association of Latinos in Acadiana also attended the event.