International students make their mark

The number of international students at the College has increased in recent years, with many becoming involved in student government, athletics and campus events.

Not long ago, FLCC had few international students. In 2019, just two students traveled here from other countries.

By fall 2024, FLCC enrolled 30 international students, who have immersed themselves in college life. Of the 10 student government leaders, five are from overseas. Twenty of the 26 men’s soccer players come from outside the U.S., including Germany, Nigeria and Spain. Thirteen international students made the fall 2024 dean's list. 

These students bring unique ideas, experiences and goals to a school thousands of miles from their homes. They have taken on leadership roles, engage in events, and support each other in their studies.  

Building connections through student life 

Cristina Altez, a second-year student from Lima, Peru said her Aunt Kelly and Uncle Gary suggested FLCC. They live in Phelps and told her about the College’s small class sizes. Cristina is studying criminal justice, plays for the women’s soccer team, and is part of the Laura López, Cristina Altez, Kiara Zambrano and Sergio Baron Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) council.

In October, Cristina helped plan an event for Hispanic Heritage Month called Food for Thought: A Celebration of Hispanic Cultures. The event included a discussion on Hispanic traditions, a merengue dance lesson, and Peruvian dishes Cristina prepared. “It was a great experience to teach everyone about my country,” she said.

Associate professor and chef Patrick Rae said Cristina’s food was “absolutely delicious and added an authentic touch to the event.”  

Cristina also got an internship with Campus Police, where she learned about community-based policing.  

Turning soccer success into campus leadership 

For many international students, joining a sports team helps them reach their athletic and academic goals. Varun Naidoo of Johannesburg, South Africa, Robin Giesing of Essen, Germany, and Oriol Guzman of Barcelona, Spain all chose FLCC for its beautiful campus and men’s soccer program. They were all recruited by different agencies that connect student athletes to colleges.  

This year, the Lakers men’s soccer team made FLCC history by winning its first-ever NJCAA Region III, District B Championship title and finishing the season ranked eighth in the nation. 

“It was a special feeling to be with people that are all in the same situation as me. We all came together to compete and do what we dreamed of doing,” said Robin. 

These students show strong leadership and teamwork on and off the field. They also take part in Student Corporation, the student government organization. 

“Going to meetings and having a say means a lot because I care for everyone,” said Varun. “I feel like I can voice their opinions and concerns and work to help them.” 

Daniel Ojedayo and Oriol Guzman Varun is the treasurer, Robin is the director of clubs and organizations, and Oriol is the director of marketing. In addition, Daniel Ojedayo of Ibadan, Nigeria and Chioma Okwudili of Abuja, Nigeria, are co-directors of DEI. Together, they are five of the ten student leaders in Student Corporation.  

“In the beginning, I was scared because I thought my accent would make it hard for me to do my job, but everyone has helped me a lot,” said Oriol. “I feel so welcome.” 

For the past three years, international students have filled the role of director of marketing. Oriol started in fall 2024, following Laura López of Bogota, Colombia and Gabriel de Souza of Limeira, Brazil. 

Laura, who won the 2023 FLCC wine label design competition, created a label called Fresca Leyenda. In spring 2024, viticulture students bottled wines bearing her label to Ryan's Wine and Spirits in Canandaigua and Pedulla's in Geneva. Laura graduated with a degree in graphic design and plans to continue her studies in the U.S. 

Before Laura, Gabriel worked in the same role. When he wasn’t working for Student Corporation or playing soccer, he worked as a resident assistant in the nearby residence hall. He also helped FLCC win first place in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) competition. Gabriel graduated with a degree in engineering science.  

Inclusivity and support 

Many international students come to campus with a few suitcases and an idea of what college life in the U.S. will be like.  

Those suitcases can’t hold all they’ll need. They can pick up pots and pans, bedding, winter clothes and other items donated by faculty, staff and students at Flick’s Place, a resource inside the Center for Student Well-Being. 

After arriving on campus, Oriol was relieved to discover that he would not have to attend a 100-student lecture hall, much like the ones he had seen in movies. He enjoys the small class sizes that offer a chance for students to connect and share information about cultural differences.

“FLCC has been very welcoming,” said Varun. “People may not know much about [our] cultures, but they’re always willing to learn.”