As an incoming freshman at the University of Louisiana at 69传媒, Alice Costa Alegra faced a formidable challenge. The Angola, Africa native did not speak English.
She spent her first year at UL 69传媒 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 69传媒. The event, held at the 69传媒 Consolidated Government administrative building, was sponsored by LCG and UL 69传媒. More than 50 of the 80 incoming international UL 69传媒 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 69传媒 provides a very supportive environment for international students,鈥 she said.
UL 69传媒 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 69传媒, 69传媒 Convention and Visitors Commission, 69传媒 Economic Development Authority, the Greater 69传媒 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.