When they arrived two months ago, few of them knew exactly what to expect. Seventeen graduate students from India, coming to earn a master’s degree in information systems . . . and most had never been to the United States and figured they were in for a steep learning curve, both in class and out.

“When we arrived at the airport, people from ECPI University were waiting to take us to our apartments and help us get settled in,” says Karthik Muthyala. “I certainly did not expect that. Ever since, our advisors have taken care of every detail. The hospitality has been awesome!” Whether it’s been helping them set up phone service, a bank account, or finding places to shop, ECPI University advisors have been there to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Much of this “southern hospitality” has occurred under the watch of International Director of Admissions, Stephanie Benson. Referred to as “Mom” by most of the students, she has been a constant presence in their lives since day one.

“They have all been an absolute joy to work with,” says Ms. Benson. “They have such a thirst for knowledge. Their enthusiasm is positively contagious.”

For faculty members, such an attitude is one that is always welcome. “They are so eager to do well,” says Dr. Bill Warner. “They are always checking in to make sure they have grasped each concept and that nothing is missed. At first, I wasn’t sure I was getting through. When I would explain something, they move their head back and forth, side to side. Then, I learned that in India, that’s how you express to someone that you understand what they are saying!”

For student Sonali Thakur, her classroom experience has been unlike anything she has ever experienced before. “In India, they would give us a text book, tell us to study it, and, at the end of the semester, have us take a test,” she says. “Here, we work together as a team on projects and apply what we learn as we go along. It has been really wonderful.”

Outside the classroom, the students have experienced a number of firsts, most notably, snow. “It is so very hot where I come from in India, says Kathik. “Enjoying the cool weather has been really nice, but seeing snow for the first time in person was very exciting!” After enjoying outings to a bowling alley and a local mall, the group is looking forward to visiting Top Golf, Washington DC, and – when the weather gets warmer – the beach.

It has certainly been a whirlwind of experiences so far and while these international students are clearly learning a lot, they are contributing a great deal. “Having them here really opens up the world to every student on campus,” says Ms. Benson. “Each one of our graduates will go on to work in a global economy and being around people from other cultures expands your mindset, and that’s always a good thing.”

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Gainful Employment Information – Information Systems - Master’s

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