A New Beginning – HutchCC International Students Settling In

By Bianca Salazar
Staff writer
IG: biancasalazar_bts

Coming across the world, settling in a new place, and speaking another language is something that some international students have to go through. Especially if they are coming to Hutchinson.

Hutchinson Community College has the opportunity to host international students and give them the whole Hutchinson community experience. From going to the Kansas State Fair to going to Blue Dragons football games, these students are encouraged to participate in as much as they can.

Andrea Prvanovic, a freshman from Belgrade, Serbia, has high expectations for herself while she is here.

“I expected to practice hard, meet new friends from all around the world, and be able to balance school and sports,” said Prvanovic, who is also a track athlete. “So far it is going as I expected.”

Likewise, freshman Valentine Titren, from Nanetes, France also gave herself expectations while here at HutchCC.

“I expect to succeed in athletics and academics, learn a new language and culture, be more open minded, and try new things,” said Titren, another track athlete.

Of course, not everything will be easy.

“To be fair, it’s a lot of change,” Titren said. “The food, the language, the outfits, the culture. I need time to figure out the social rules.”

But there is solace in knowing that she isn’t the only one.

Titren said that having other international students and a small campus helps a lot. She continues by saying that the people on campus are really nice and open. It really helps her not to be lost and enjoy Hutch.

As she continues to explore all that HutchCC has to offer, Titren reminisces on her favorite memory here so far.

“My favorite memory is when we went to the rodeo in Mulvane, or even every night in the dorms is so funny,” Titren said.

This is now international students’ home away from home, and American students can help make them feel at home. As the year continues, these students from around the globe will continue to learn and grow alongside everyone else.

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