Office of Global Engagement hosting their “Night of All Nations” in August 2019. This event’s goal is to celebrate and promote all cultures that are represented on UNCP’s campus. Image/Aaron Humiston.
The Office of Global Engagement recently hired an immigration specialist after losing half their staff due to COVID-19. Aaron Humiston currently handles the tasks of an immigration specialist, study abroad and Asian coordinator. This is the fourth university Humiston has worked at. He believes one of the most important things he can do for international students is to let them know he is there for them if needed. His current tasks include working with the university’s study abroad partners and handling the legal side of getting international students into the United States.
Humiston said, “I try to reduce the stress on their mental health regarding the legal side. I send them reminders of important dates. If they need longer to get their degree, I can work with them on that too.”
One way the office helps exchange students is to get them into the classes they need since they are only here temporarily. International students work with Demi Meiklejohn, Undergraduate Admissions Coordinator.
She said, “I provide international students with the resources they need to become students at UNCP. I can also provide help with some information they need to prepare for the big transition from their home country to the USA,” said Meiklejon.
This year there are 76 international students.
In addition to the resources they already provide, the Office for Global Engagement is planning to provide more resources to make the transition easier for international students. Humiston said, “This semester we will offer a 10-week English language learning program. The program does not have an official name yet.” In the fall, they are also hoping to bring more international students if it is safe to do so. They are still willing to meet students interested in studying abroad on an individual basis to plan the trip, in case it becomes available again in the fall.