Once again, it is a pleasure to meet new international students who come in the fall to our university.  Considering Kansas State University is in the middle of the USA and not exactly a destination, I am always curious to know how students found us. While each student’s story is unique, I find that people sometimes find us on the internet or through an acquaintance, professor, or friend that recommended our school.

So how are we welcoming them? We offer them opportunities to meet people, their peers and people who live in the community.  On Wednesday nights we host the Conversation Café KSU where we play games, eat, enjoy music, and discuss topics of interest. Last week we shared stories of our holidays. This week we are talking about the tendency to stereotype people and places. Next week we are looking at UNESCO world heritage sites.

Our hiking club is off to a good start. Yes, hiking in Kansas! The Tall Grass Prairie is downright breathtaking, especially at sunset. And last week we were kayaking, trying out archery, and playing lawn games at the nearby state park.

Of special enjoyment to me is using the Conversation Art Cards with students who want to practice English. These cards were recently published by Cru Press and are astonishingly beautiful and compelling. Recently, two young women from Japan, shared the hero story of Anpanman with me. Looking at the art, we also discussed the hero story of Jesus Christ.

If you would like to learn more about the Conversation Art Cards, they are described on this website or go to Crustore.org and search for Conversation Art Cards.

I wish you all a happy autumn,

Jane