Students usually expect to tour campus before they apply to college.

But senior Judy Zhong was on another continent when she decided the University was right for her.

Zhong, an international student from Chengdu, China, first heard about the University when the Redcoats performed in her city about four years ago.

“I found out that UGA was really exciting,” she said. “I just knew that it offered the opportunities that I was looking for.”

For many students, traveling abroad is difficult since they’re in an unfamiliar environment, far from their families.

For Zhong, the challenge is different.

“It’s really not that difficult for me because I lived in school for six years in China away from my family,” Zhong said. “But, it’s kind of strange and confusing at first because people think differently here.”

The Office of International Student Life helps international students immerse themselves in American culture. The office organizes activities such as campus coffee hour and ethnic nights, and it also assists students with tax issues.

Although Zhong has full access to all services ISL and the University provide, she said she wishes there were more programs specifically designed for international students.

“Many of the programs are really cool, but they are only offered for citizens,” she said. “There are definitely more opportunities for citizens and Green Card holders.”

Kavita Pandit, associate provost for international education, said she understands student visas make it limiting for how much students can work in the U.S., but students shouldn’t be expected to work during their time at the University.

“I think the whole point of this experience is to learn about new perspectives and ideas, and to be pushed out of comfort zones,” Pandit said.

Jessica Hall, international student adviser in the Office of International Education, also acknowledged one of the biggest difficulties international students face is getting a job.

“Being an international student, you just have an extra few hoops to jump through,” Hall said. “It’s our job to give them the most accurate and thorough information to help them jump through those hoops.”

Although Zhong may think one of her biggest challenges is getting a job, Hall said a lot of employers are highly interested in hiring international students because they bring “language, culture and diversity” to the workplace.

“It gives American co-workers the opportunity to spend time with somebody that might bring new insight to the work environment,” Hall said. “Students from different cultures interpret and view things differently.”