The international student community makes up a good portion of Virginia Tech’s 37,000+ student body population. With at least 47 countries represented on campus, the many different backgrounds, cultures, and identities from around the world have contributed to greater diversity and knowledge to the quaint city of Blacksburg. As Virginia Tech emerges as a global leader in the education of international students, learning with students from various countries has become an integral part of higher education. Graphic designers Ruj Tandanand and Pierina Galvez are two international students that have brought their talents to both Virginia Tech and PRISM.
Ruj Tandanand is half-Swiss and half-Thai. Born in Thailand, Tandanand moved away from home to Switzerland when he was 15 years old and attended boarding school there. After completing his high school education, he embarked on a flight to Blacksburg to start studying graphic design at Virginia Tech. Despite being new to America, he quickly met friends throughout VT’s friendly campus. He credits the many cultural organizations and clubs at Virginia Tech for helping him adjust to college life and finding a community.
“When I was a freshman, I did not know anyone prior from high school that came here [to Virginia Tech], I often felt left out. However, people here have all been so friendly that I was able to make friends from my hall and classes, which allowed me to have a close tight-knit group of friends. As years progressed, being a part of many clubs such as FASA, VSA, TSA, PRISM, and Zeta Psi fraternity, I made so many new friends and connections that VT became my second home.”
Tandanand was able to adapt to university life with the help of his friends and older brother, Asarin, who went to Tech before him. “It is very interesting because….I am Thai and always will be Thai, but since I've been away for so long I felt like I’m an inbetweener,” says Tandanand. Now a senior about to graduate this upcoming Spring 2023, he recalls the culture shock that he first experienced upon his arrival.
“There are huge differences in culture between Thailand and America such as the food, where in Thailand we have a great variety of food compared to America. While the food is good, a majority of them are fast foods, which I learned to like them. The music is also a big factor for me. Back home, I always listened to indie music and Thai music with little knowledge in EDM and hip hop. That changed as soon as moved out of Thailand to Scotland and America.”
From Peru, Pierina Galvez came to the United States to attend college. Though adjusting to campus life in America was difficult at first, Galvez was able to join international organizations such as LatinX to help her feel at home. As an international student, Galvez stated that there many cultural differences she observed during her time here in the United States. “Americans are a little shy at the beginning,” Galvez explains. “Peruvians are extremely welcoming, there is no way you can't feel like home. Peruvians, when greeting a person we know, we give kisses on the cheek, while Americans do not do that at all!”
Galvez took advantage of campus resources for academic-related issues. She oftentimes went to The Writing Center, a free service at Newman Library that provides help with reading or writing at all levels for all Virginia Tech students. For her English classes, she would go to The Writing Center for peer review on her grammar. For course-related guidance, Galvez looked to her Cranwell career advisor and her major college advisor for their expertise.
“At the beginning, it was really hard because you definitely feel like you are a minority on campus. However, it helps you to get out of your comfort zone. By this I mean, you speak up more from yourself, you practice another language to communicate, and you share your different perspectives. Hokies are really welcoming and even though it can be tough at the beginning, it gets much better at the end. A Hokie is always free to help you out — the Hokie spirit is lovely.”
In PRISM, both Tandanand and Galvez are highly skilled graphic designers that have brought wonderful creations to our organization. For Tandanand, PRISM helped him find a career path and brought him to the realization that he wants to work at an ad agency after graduation. “PRISM also allowed me to get ready for the real world by giving me a real working environment while providing me a great community where I can have fun but also gain professional work experience,” he said. As for Galvez, PRISM allowed her to meet friends in different majors and backgrounds and helped boost her confidence, especially her confidence in speaking. “PRISM helped me develop and combine my marketing and design passions. The people are great and super welcoming.”