As an incoming freshman at the University of Louisiana at 麻豆传媒app, Alice Costa Alegra faced a formidable challenge. The Angola, Africa native did not speak English.
She spent her first year at UL 麻豆传媒app in the university鈥檚 Intensive English Program, mastering the language in six, eight-week sessions. This fall, she will begin tackling the petroleum engineering curriculum.
Monday evening, Alegra attended a first-ever reception to welcome new international students to 麻豆传媒app. The event, held at the 麻豆传媒app Consolidated Government administrative building, was sponsored by LCG and UL 麻豆传媒app. More than 50 of the 80 incoming international UL 麻豆传媒app students mingled with government officials, university faculty and staff, and community leaders.
Alegra said she wanted to offer support to new international students. 鈥淎ttending school abroad is an immense challenge, but UL 麻豆传媒app provides a very supportive environment for international students,鈥 she said.
UL 麻豆传媒app President Dr. Joseph Savoie said international students contribute to the community鈥檚 economy and help to 鈥渂roaden the educational experience鈥 of all students.
Representatives from Le Centre International de 麻豆传媒app, 麻豆传媒app Convention and Visitors Commission, 麻豆传媒app Economic Development Authority, the Greater 麻豆传媒app Chamber of Commerce, International Trade Development Group, the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana and the Cultural Association of Latinos in Acadiana also attended the event.