Building a Home Away from Home for International Students at Clayton State University

(November 14, 2025) - Clayton State University’s International Club is providing a new sense of community for international students on campus. Led by President Nigar Sultana, a junior from Bangladesh majoring in Nursing, and Vice President Ruby Nguyen, a junior majoring in Biology from Vietnam, the club was launched this semester to support and connect students from around the world.

For Sultana, the idea came from her own experience adjusting to life in the United States. “When I first came here, I felt lonely. I didn’t know anyone or how to navigate things like registration or online classes,” she said. “I wanted to create a club where international students can help each other, build friendships, and feel like this is our home away from home.”

When Sultana arrived at Clayton State, she quickly discovered that learning in a new academic environment came with its own set of challenges. “In my first semester, my grades were low because I didn’t know how to take notes properly,” she said. “I had to learn how to study differently and how to ask for help.” Through the Writer’s Studio and supportive professors, she found the guidance she needed and the confidence to help others do the same.

Nguyen shared a similar motivation. After transferring from a community college in Washington State, she worried about finding a support system. “At first, I didn’t know if there were many international students here,” she said. “But once I connected with International Student Services, I realized we have a strong community. We just needed a way to bring everyone together.”

Nguyen said that creating the club was also a way to ease the transition for others. “When I first came to the U.S., the language barrier made it hard to keep up in class, even though I had studied English before,” she said. “Now I want other international students to know they’re not alone and that there are people who understand what they’re going through.”

The International Club currently has approximately nine members and plans to expand during International Education Week, taking place from November 17 to 21. Events will include guest speakers, cultural activities, and information sessions to help students navigate life in the U.S. and at Clayton State.

One of the club’s developing initiatives is the “buddy program,” which pairs new international students with returning members to help them adjust to campus life, find resources, and feel welcome.

“Our goal is to help students grow, personally and professionally, while showing that they have a place here,” said Sultana.

The International Club meets biweekly and welcomes all students interested in joining, learning about global cultures, or supporting their international peers. 

Learn more about the Internal Students Club:

Visit one of their events during International Education Week, taking place from November 17 to 21, 2025.  A variety of events will be held to promote international education.

November 17, 2025, marks the Opening of International Education Week at the University Center, Presidential Plaza, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Learn about international countries, while enjoying music, games, and candy.

November 18, 2025, Inauguration of the International Students Club, University Center, Main Street, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Meet current members, learn more about the club, and sign up. All students are welcome to join (not just international students).

November 19, 2025, Study Abroad Fair, International Education Office, University Center, Main Street, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Learn about the Study Abroad Program. Pick up an application for a passport. Ask questions about studying abroad.

November 20, 2025, International Education Panel Discussion in University Center Room 265, 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. – The panel includes current faculty and staff who were former international students including Jermaine Rolle, Director of CSU Athletics, Dr. Pinar Gurkas, Professor and Chair of the Psychology Department, Dr. C. R. Narayanaswamy, Professor of Finance. Topics of discussion include learning to adjust to a new culture and academic structure, as well as future changes to federal rules regarding international studies programs.