World of opportunity: NMSU opens the doors to international students

It’s no secret that the College of Agriculture and Home Economics and College of Engineering do a pretty good job of drawing students to New Mexico State University. However, not everyone knows why those programs are of particular interest to students from the Middle East. “That region is very similar to ours,” said Rajaa Shindi, ex-graduate coordinator for NMSU’s Graduate School, now “For example in engineering, there are projects we can develop between universities there and NMSU because our environments are so similar.”

Shindi, who is from Iraq, recently returned to Las Cruces after taking part in a two-week U.S. Educational Group recruiting trip to universities and colleges in six countries, including Jordan, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Her trip was part of a collaborative effort by all NMSU colleges to recruit more undergraduate and graduate international students. “I took the step of visiting every department on campus and felt the strong interest they had in bringing more international students here,” she said.

“They are so excited about this; the departments want to go themselves to do the recruiting.” Graduate School Dean Linda Lacey said she is “very enthusiastic about this trip and I expect to build on the relationships that faculty have made with universities in this region of the world.

“This trip will promote NMSU’s graduate and undergraduate programs, attract more students from the Middle East and maximize educational outcomes for both parties,” Lacey added. Shindi said her trip also was designed to open lines of communication with countries in the Middle East. “The schedule isn’t only built around visiting universities to recruit,” she said.

“We’re going to meet with representatives from those governments and with people from the U.S. embassies in each country to talk about the visa procedures, and then provide this information to the international students who come here. “It’s also important because you’re meeting these people face-to-face,” she added. “Communication prior to this was indirect, through email and phone calls.”

Shindi believes she will be able to better relate with people in the Middle East because “my original language is Arabic. I can communicate with them in their own language and make them more comfortable.” Plus, she said, her positive personal experience – opening and managing a computer store in California and earning her master’s degree in computer science at NMSU – also can serve as a model for Middle Eastern students.

“I can be an example for them,” she said. “My family and I have been successful here. We have been here at NMSU for five years and have had no problems. I think this can provide them the comfort they’re looking for about living in the U.S.

“When I came here from my country, my mind expanded,” said Shindi. “There were so many things here, so many opportunities. For a person living in that region, which is somewhat of a closed environment, it’s totally different.” In turn, she said, the student body also can benefit and learn from having international students as classmates.

“We’re sharing experiences, culture and teaching more about the Middle East and Islam, especially after 9/11,” she said. “I think the best way to teach the community about that region is to bring them here and let them mix with the community here. Let them share their stories and what they feel about what’s happening in the world.” Shindi said she is proud to be able to take part in an effort that benefits both the university and her native land. “I feel like I’m helping everybody,” she explained.

“I’m helping NMSU by bringing more students and helping people there by opening doors and communication. It feels great to have the trust of the university to be its representative. I am sure there will be a high number of students who will come here to start and finish their higher education.”

For more pictures from the trip, please click here.

Victor Venegas