Ana came to KU from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, to study chemical engineering and achieve her goal of studying abroad.

 

 

She shares what inspired her to choose the University of Kansas, how she found community and support, and what it’s like to experience campus life as an international student. For Ana, studying abroad had always been a dream. She wanted the kind of American college experience she had imagined — and when she visited KU (read why a KU campus visit is worth it) she knew she had found the right place.

From the beauty of campus to the support she found in the classroom and through student organizations, Ana has embraced life as a Jayhawk. In this Q&A, she answers frequently asked questions from prospective international KU students and their families about studying at KU, including campus life, traditions, and advice for students considering studying in the United States.

Q: What made you choose KU? Was it the programs, the vibes, the location, or something else?

A: I’ve always wanted to have a very American college experience. That’s been a lifelong dream of mine, and I felt like where better to get that than in the middle of the country. 

I actually came to campus in 2022, a year before I started college, and I completely fell in love with it. I loved the flowers and walking around the buildings. I also liked that KU is big enough to meet so many different people from different backgrounds and majors. Campus was really what got me.

Q: How did you find housing at KU as an international student?

A: Housing was one of the trickiest parts for me because I accepted my admission very late and was worried about where I’d live. I talked to the people from International Admissions, and they recommended the scholarship halls. I ended up living in Watkins Hall, and it was one of the best decisions I could have made. 

The scholarship halls are like a social hotspot, so you get to know a lot of people from different majors. My favorite event was the Scholarship Hall Olympics, where all 12 halls compete for a gold medal. It helped me find friends and start building my community. Now I live off campus, but I’m really glad I started in the scholarship hall.

Q: What is your major and how has your experience been so far?

A: I’m majoring in chemical engineering with a minor in biomedical engineering. Engineering can be tough, but I’ve found so much support through my classmates, professors, and teaching assistants. 

Building relationships with faculty is so important. If I’m struggling with a topic, I always feel comfortable going to office hours to talk through it. The School of Engineering also offers free tutoring and supplemental instruction sessions that are really helpful. My biggest advice for new students is to ask for help. KU has so much support all over campus, and people truly want you to succeed.

Q: Is it possible to work on campus as an international student? What kinds of jobs are available?

A: Yes, you can work on campus, and there are lots of opportunities. You can work at the libraries, with Admissions, or at the bookstore. There’s a website, employment.ku.edu, where you can find open positions. 

I work as a student ambassador giving campus tours, and it’s been a great experience. I’ve met so many people, built connections, and learned how to manage my own money. It’s also a nice way to earn a little extra for things you need.

Q: What is International Support Services like? 

A: ISS is one of the best resources for international students. They help with visas, legal status, housing, and many other questions. If they don’t have the answer, they’ll connect you with someone who does. 

They also send a weekly newsletter with workshops, trips, and events. One of my favorites was the tax workshop because I had no idea how to file taxes. They gave us a free voucher and taught us how to do everything. They also plan fun trips, like $5 museum visits in Kansas City, which are great ways to meet people.

Q: Are there international organizations that help students feel connected?

A: KU has around 600 clubs, so there’s something for everyone. I’m very involved with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, or SHPE. I’ve met people who share my background and experiences, and it’s been really rewarding. They bring in speakers, alumni, and employers to help you grow professionally. 

There are also fun clubs, like an Oreo-eating club, where you can just meet people and have fun. Whether it’s professional or just for fun, joining clubs helps you make friends and feel at home.

Q: What’s the best KU or Lawrence event you’ve been to so far?

A: A basketball game, for sure. KU is one of the biggest basketball schools in the country, and the energy is incredible. I went to a game against North Carolina, and Allen Fieldhouse was packed. I couldn’t even hear the person next to me, but it was so much fun. 

I love sports, and going to games makes you feel connected to KU. Even if you don’t know much about basketball or football, it’s just fun to be there, cheer with everyone, and feel that school spirit.

Q: What has surprised you the most about your experience at KU, in Kansas or in the U.S.? 

A: From trying new food, cute coffee shops to study at, to doing activities like going rock climbing or amusement parks, Kansas really has it all. Plus it's so easy to travel to other states (i.e. Colorado, Missouri, Illinois), there's so much to discover. People are very kind and, at least in my experience, many of my friends and their families have opened their doors for me.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about living in Lawrence?

A: I love that Lawrence is a smaller town with a big-town feel. It’s homey, but it has everything you need — stores, restaurants, and a fun downtown. The people are so nice, and you can feel the community’s love for KU everywhere you go. You’ll see KU flags hanging on houses all over town. It’s a really warm, welcoming place.

Q: What’s your favorite KU tradition?

A: One of my favorite traditions is during basketball games when students hold up the school newspaper while the opposing team’s lineup is announced. There’s usually a funny cartoon in the paper, and we make confetti out of it to throw when our team is announced. I always keep extra copies and hang them on my wall as decorations. It’s such a fun, unifying moment that makes you feel part of something bigger.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to a future international student, what would it be?

A: Go out and meet people. Build your group and find a support system because that’s so important. Academics matter, but having people to lean on makes everything better. If you didn’t do well on a quiz or you’re having a hard week, it helps to have friends you can talk to. Go to clubs, attend events, even if it’s just for the free food. You’ll meet people, make memories, and feel like you belong.