Study Overseas

Name: Afrore Gjergjizi
From: Kosovo
Age: 29
Institution: The Illinois Institute of Art Chicago

Illinois, the State of Lincoln. One of the best states with a great history surrounded with diverse cultures. You can live in a quiet and unique Decatur or you can live in the city of Chicago and never feel homesick.

Name: Bushra Alam
From: Bangladesh
Age: 21
Institution: Lake Forest College

A great education in America is not only found around the coasts. I chose Illinois not only because of the great schools that are in Illinois, but because of the great opportunities available to me in and near Chicago. I am impressed with the people and the diversity I see around me all the time.

Name: Andre S. Siffert
From: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Age: 23
Institution: Lewis University

When I came to Illinois 5 years ago, I didn’t have much of an idea where Illinois was located or what it had to offer. Illinois is a great “sample” state. It is a unique destination for students to develop not only their intellectual pursuits but because the state is so diverse in its: ethnicity, religions, sports, restaurants, museums, camping, adventures, theaters, live concerts and more, I have grown as a “whole” person.

I have travelled to many states around the U. S., but Illinois is unique and incomparable because the state is internationally friendly and has a lot to offer and to be explored.

Name: Izabelle dos Santos Coelho
From: Brazil
Age: 26
Institution: Northern Illinois University

I love Illinois because of the diversity of people, weather and cultures. Since I moved from Brazil six years ago, Illinois became my home and the people from Illinois became my family and friends. The contact with so many different cultures has made me grow and become a better person.

Name: Rahyeong Han
From: South Korea
Age: 27
Institution: University of Illinois at Springfield

The people I have met at the International Student Focus Group in Illinois are generous and kind to foreigners, and flexible but well organized for their work. The environment here is peaceful, green, and neat. This why I love Illinois.

Name: Marcelle Benedicta
From: Indonesia
Age: 28
Institution: Loyola University

I love Illinois because of the distinct four seasons ... watching the leaves go from green to brown, then see them fall and grow back again is amazing! Also, Illinois has Chicago ... a big city with so many different cultures, but feels small because of its warm midwestern people.

Name: Laasya Sudhakar
From: India
Institution: The Illinois Institute of Art

When you live in Chicago, IL you start to realize that it’s not just the people, but even the city has a personality of its own. The hustle-bustle of Michigan avenue and the serenity of Lake Shore, the panoramic city view from the Signature Room is all within a few minutes from each other. There is never a dull moment and this is truly a place where everyone can discover himself or herself. This is my bliss - a home away from home!

Name: Natsu Miyata
From: Japan
Institution: University of Illinois at Springfield

Illinois has everything - parks, farms, rivers, big and small cities, and tiny country towns. We also have four seasons. So you can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the year, such as swimming in summer, apple picking in autumn, shopping in winter, and exploring during spring break.

Name: Dominika Osiecka
From: Born In Poland
Age: 33
Institution: Roosevelt University

After studying in three different countries, my international educational journey took me to Illinois. Here are my five reasons why I love it here: multi-cultural atmosphere, architecture, schools, food and of course that jazz. So far Illinois brings me a wonderful academic and social experience with ample opportunity for self-growth.

Name: Sirra Foon
From: The Gambia
Age: 20
Institution: Roosevelt University

Having come from the tiny West African country of The Gambia, I fell in love with Illinois very quickly, from the vibrant city of Chicago with it’s cacophony of sights and sounds, to the close-knit village of Plainfield and its very friendly residents. Illinois gave me a chance to revel in my newly found independence as a college student without being too homesick.

Name: Jerry Jeong
From: South Korea
Age: 28
Institution: College of Lake County, Grayslake, Illinois

“I really like the State of Illinois because the people are very friendly. I have made some good friends here. I enjoy the beautiful architecture in Chicago. The weather is similar to my country and I like the many things you can do outdoors."

Name: Sabine Tsala
From: France
Institution: Southern Illinois University

The best thing about Illinois is that you can choose to live in a very peaceful environment or in a very dynamic one, and visit either. I like southern Illinois, especially. My school has a very good program and great teachers. It's in a peaceful environment, which is what I needed to focus on school and tennis. I didn't want to be distracted while trying to build my future. There is also a great and inexpensive transportation service in Carbondale for SIUC students.