The views and opinions expressed in the Graduate and International Ambassador Blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Arkansas.
In this first episode of our Student Interview Series, hear from Diego Montano, an international graduate student from Bolivia. Diego shares his experiences in choosing the U of A, memories from his first days upon arriving, and advice on working during college in the United States:
Transcript:
Hello everyone, my name is Diego Montano and I’m an international student at the University of Arkansas.
What led you to attend the University of Arkansas?
We started, you know, talking to other students from Bolivia who were studying at the University of Arkansas, and just my mom and I were having a discussion. We decided that the University of Arkansas was the best option. It was a smaller town, which was safe. Then everyone who was here told me that, you know, everyone was super welcoming, everyone’s super nice. And the University – they’re helpful, especially with international students. They don’t leave their students, you know, like, all alone. [The University] told me about the math tutoring center, the Writing Center, and they helped me.
How would you describe campus life at the U of A?
it’s a big family. Like, I’ve worked and I’ve joined different organizations and I’ve worked with different programs. And everyone, wherever you decide to join, you’re always going to be part of it. And even for, like, different classes and students like, and it’s such a big community, there’s so many students, but everyone’s super nice. Like, I never felt that I was afraid to ask (or, I was never afraid) if I needed some help from anyone, even people who I didn’t know. So for me, it was a welcoming, engaging community. And, you know, a lot of people, a lot of students, they they go through that that phase of like being homesick, but I cannot really tell you that I went through that experience. I felt so welcome and good since day one. I didn’t have like that phase.
What makes our University unique?
There are several factors that make the University of Arkansas unique. If you want to go towards something that makes the campus unique (as a physical part of campus) is the Senior Walk. Especially as an international student, being able to graduate from an American University, you know, is such a compliment. It’s like, you made it. And the fact that your name is going to be on Senior Walk, and your kids, grandsons, and everyone will be able to see that you were part of that history. You know, you’re not just one student who came and graduated and left.. You’re part of a university. Like, you’ve got your history within the university.
What has been one of your favorite memories or experiences at the U of A?
Probably- it was my first day here at the university. I was scared. You know, like, the first night like, my bed was so high. And I didn’t know how to fix the bed. And…I remember, I had to sleep on that high bed – I was so scared that I I couldn’t even make my bed. I remember my roommate coming in the middle of the night. It was around 11:30pm, and he turns on the light. Of course…I try to pretend that I was sleeping. I was like, I don’t want to have a conversation right now. Like, what am I doing? I should be back in Bolivia. And he noticed I was awake and he was like, “Hey, my name is this…” and he like helped me with my bed. He was like, “this is my schedule, but if you ever want to hang out with me or my friends…” and at that moment I was so relieved.
What advice would you give to those thinking about Graduate School or studying abroad?
I get that question, you know, especially from students who are back in Bolivia or are graduating from college, and they’re looking for graduate programs or are graduating from high school and looking to do college in the US. And I always tell them – the University of Arkansas: I would recommend it. I would totally recommend it. And my advice would be, “Don’t be afraid; ask questions. Don’t listen…just to different people.” You know, I made that mistake my first semester. I had two friends telling me, “it’s not worth working unless you’re working for a big company because that’s what builds your resume,” which…my first year and my first semester, I made that mistake. I was like, Oh no, like unless I work for a big company there is no need for me to work”…until I went and spoke with an instructor/professor who suggested, like, “No, it doesn’t matter where you work. What matters is the good job that you’re [doing].” And thank God I listened to him because from that moment on, I worked for different programs and that built my resume. When I graduated from from my undergraduate, I was able to find a job. I was able to use my OPT (“Optional Practical Training” – Ed.) that was my authorization to work in the United States. And I tell my Mom this all the time: I don’t think I wouldn’t be the person I am right now if it were not for the University of Arkansas.
