This past Saturday, September 14, the International Program Office (IPO) at Suny Cortland took the international students to a fun trip to the Niagara Falls.
When living abroad – for a semester or for all four years, international students expect to experience everything that the country they are in, and its culture, has to offer to them. While at school, they can experience the American culture by participating in clubs and organizations, attending to school events, watching the many game matches that happen throughout the year, and learning as much as they can from their professors and instructors.
Outside of school, however, is when things might get a little more complicated for some international students. Because they come from countries all over the world, they can’t bring their car to the US, and renting or buying one here for the time being is something that may not be an option for them. That’s why trips like this one, planned and offered by the IPO, are important: they help these students to travel in the US and learn more about the country and its wonders.
The International Program Office rented a bus that took all the students to Niagara Falls. There, they enjoyed the outdoor activities that the park has to offer, ate at the local restaurants and enjoyed the Maid of the Mist boat ride, that took them right where the falls were, allowing a closer and better view of them. As an international student myself, I was looking forward to this trip, but at the very last minute I couldn’t join the group. However, fellow international students reported many great things about the said trip. When asked about the initiative of taking students to such a trip, Emma, from Germany said: “I think it is a great opportunity that the IPO gives us the chance to do this special trip. And it was so organized. They picked us up with the bus at West Campus and they gave us snacks and water, everything just for $35 which is not expensive! And we did not just go to the Niagara Falls to see them, we went on a boat and drove right next to the waterfalls, it was amazing.”
When asked about the experience as a whole, Emma added: “I loved it! Generally, I am a great fan of waterfalls and I believe that the Niagara Falls are one of the most amazing waterfalls in the world.” She continues, “The view was spectacular and the boat trip incredible. You can’t imagine what natural forces there are until you stand right next to it to view the water masses floating down, to feel the wind and the waves they create and to hear the noise of the water crashing on the surface. We were lucky because the weather was great on top. I think I will never forget this day!”
So far, the International Office has done a great job with helping the students to make connections, providing fun little trips to the bowling alley and golf court, helping students to experience the American culture and to know and visit places like Niagara Falls. It’s only the beginning of the semester and we hope that there’s more fun events to come.