Sakshi Maurya:  “Supportive, Welcoming, Transformative”

Being part of the International Friends Program (IFP) was truly one of the highlights of my first semester at Florida Atlantic University. From the very beginning, it gave me a deep sense of belonging and made my transition to a new country so much smoother. Moving to a completely different environment was both exciting and overwhelming, and my biggest challenge was connecting with others.

IFP encouraged me to open up, connect with people from different backgrounds, and build meaningful friendships. My mentor, Syed Akram, was always supportive and approachable, whether I needed academic guidance or help adjusting to life in the U.S. Even after the program ended, he continues to be someone I can rely on at FAU.

One of my favorite moments was the mentor-mentee matching and training session. It was the first time I truly felt seen and confident speaking up. What I loved most about IFP was the warm, welcoming environment that made me feel right at home.

IFP is more than just a mentorship program. It is a support system that helps you adapt, feel connected, and gain confidence in a new setting. I believe every international student deserves to experience this kind of support in their first semester.

Gideon Chege: “A bridge, Our home, Our breakthrough”

When I first arrived at FAU, my biggest challenges were finding affordable places to eat and securing suitable housing. It all felt overwhelming at first, but my mentor made a big difference. She personally showed me budget-friendly dining spots and gave me helpful advice on how to find a place to stay. Her support helped me feel more settled and confident during those early days.

Throughout my first semester, she was always available, supportive, and ready with practical advice that made adjusting much easier. My favorite IFP event was the Welcome Mixer because it helped me meet new people and feel connected right away.

What I appreciated most about IFP was the strong sense of belonging and the support I received, not just from my mentor but also from other international students. I would definitely recommend this program to new international students. It makes the transition smoother and helps you feel at home.

Rajani Pant:  “Community, Resourceful, Inclusive”

When I first arrived at FAU, one of my biggest challenges was the anxiety of fitting in and forming meaningful connections. The International Friends Program (IFP) played a crucial role in helping me overcome this by creating opportunities to connect and engage with others.

I was fortunate to have a mentor who was incredibly supportive. She helped me adjust to campus life, offered guidance with academic work such as research papers, and introduced me to several international organizations.

One of my favorite memories was the IFP potluck at the end of the semester. It was a special moment where we shared experiences and celebrated our journey together as a close and supportive group.

What I enjoyed most about being part of IFP was the opportunity to build friendships and truly feel like I belonged. I would absolutely recommend this program to other international students. It is a valuable resource that eases the transition into a new culture and helps combat the loneliness many of us experience.