Features Reporter
Antonia Schindler and Natália Pereira are exchange students attending CMU through the the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP). CMU’s affiliation with ISEP allows students to travel to over 300 universities and 50 countries, while also hosting students from various parts of the world.
Antonia Schindler, 22, is from the small town of Eichstått, Germany. Schindler is attending CMU for one semester and lives on the same floor as Pereira on Orchard Avenue.
“I’m in my third year, but it’s my last year,” Schindler said. “In Germany we just have three years.
It is required by her school to study abroad. She has traveled to many countries, but the U.S. was one of her first picks.
“I could have chosen Austria, but I wanted to go to the United States… I’ve been to Sweden, Denmark, Greece, The UK, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Egypt,” she said, trying to provide a complete list of her extensive world travels.
She plans to visit Yellowstone and Las Vegas, where she hopes her parents will visit her. Although she will only be here for one semester, she would love to return to the United States.
Pereira, 21, arrived in Grand Junction last Monday and is from the small town of Belem, Brazil. Pereira is studying Mass Communication with a focus on advertising and says she is impressed with the program so far.
“I love the Mass Communication program,” Pereira said. “Today, the classes were great. The class yesterday with professor Tucci was amazing.”
Pereira is in her third year of college and is enjoying her stay in Grand Junction.
“I like the people,” Pereira said. “They’re very gentle, warm and kind. I like that it’s very calm here.”
Pereira looks forward to exploring the area with a friend who has a car.
“I want to see the city but I have not seen it yet,” Pereira said. “When I came here by car from the airport, I thought the city was very beautiful and very clean.”
Pereira chose to visit Grand Junction because of the warm weather, relaxed environment and many activities offered like yoga and pilates.
The upcoming winter is something that excites Pereira, but worries her at the same time.
“I’ve never seen snow,” Pereira said. “I really want to see it.”
This is Pereira’s first trip out of Brazil she was worried about her English. But she has been speaking English for four years and her skills are much better than she gives herself credit for.
Students must have a minimum 2.75 GPA and must be at least a sophomore to be eligible for the ISEP program. Students can participate in three ways: First, they may exchange places with an international student, while that student takes their place at CMU. Or, students can enroll directly in an international university through ISEP. For those unable to travel abroad for an entire semester or school year, summer programs are available. For more information about ISEP, visit www.isep.org.
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