As an incoming freshman at the 老司机福利网, Alice Costa Alegra faced a formidable challenge. The Angola, Africa native did not speak English.
She spent her first year at UL 老司机福利网 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 老司机福利网. The event, held at the 老司机福利网 Consolidated Government administrative building, was sponsored by LCG and UL 老司机福利网. More than 50 of the 80 incoming international UL 老司机福利网 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 老司机福利网 provides a very supportive environment for international students,鈥 she said.
UL 老司机福利网 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 老司机福利网, 老司机福利网 Convention and Visitors Commission, 老司机福利网 Economic Development Authority, the Greater 老司机福利网 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.