More than 500 new international graduate students joined the Rice University community this week during Graduate International Orientation, hosted by the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS).
The orientation, held in person for the first time since the pandemic, introduced students from across the globe to academic life, resources and community at Rice. International students make up nearly 47% of Rice’s graduate population, representing the largest share of international enrollment at the university.
Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Seiichi Matsuda praised the students’ courage in pursuing their studies far from home.
“I just met you, I don’t know you well, but I know you’re braver than I am,” Matsuda said. “To go to a place with a different language, a different culture, with friends and family far away, that takes courage. That you are here today really shows you’ve got more moxie than I ever had, and I respect you a great deal for it.”
The event featured remarks from university leaders, breakout sessions on immigration and campus resources, and community-building activities, including food trucks, a campus tour and an ice cream social.
For many students, the experience was both exciting and reassuring.
Quadri Popoola, a Ph.D. student in statistics and student leader for the international welcome program, said volunteering to support incoming students felt like a natural next step.
“I was in their shoes last year, so I know how it feels to come to a new place,” Popoola said. “Having someone who’s also an international student really helps; that’s why I wanted to be a student leader, to give back and support them.”
Students like Ariel Becerra Chavez of Chile, who is a Fulbright student beginning a Ph.D. in political science, called joining Rice “a very, very good opportunity.” Others shared how they were navigating both familiar and new experiences. Josie Taylor, a New Zealand native and Rice track and field athlete, returned to campus as a master’s student in earth science after completing her undergraduate degree at Rice.
“It feels familiar but also brand new,” Taylor said. “It’s cool to be surrounded by people just starting their journey, some have never even been to America before. I can relate to that, and it’s nice to help them through it.”
Fulbright student Jorgo Qirjaj of Albania, who is pursuing a master’s in engineering management and leadership, said he was drawn to Rice by its academic environment and welcoming community.
Liza Jivnani, a new master’s student in electrical and computer engineering from India, described Rice as a “great playground to build things, try ideas, and hopefully touch someone’s life in a meaningful way.”
Kelia Hubbard, associate director at OISS, said the orientation sets the tone for students’ time at Rice.
“This is such an exciting day,” Hubbard said. “We’re so glad to have such a diverse representation of international students contributing new ideas and perspectives to Rice.”