International Student Testimonials

Duda Formoso ’26

From: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Major: Integrated Marketing Communications

Campus Involvement:

• Brazilian Student Association (Treasurer)
• IC Unbound (Dancer)
• BIPOC Unity Center (Peer Educator)
• New Student and Transition Programs (Student Employee, Student Engagement Assistant)
• Ithaca College Marketing and Communications (Student Employee, IC YouTube Content Creator)
• Lighthouse Christian Fellowship (Social Media)
• Residence Assistant (RA, Upper Quads)

How have you been supported by faculty/staff on campus?

Studying at IC was a big change coming from a public school in Brazil. However, since the first day of classes, I felt supported by staff and professors. I remember coming to my seminar professor afraid of failing one of my classes, and she listened to my concerns and showed me all the resources on campus such as tutors, Counseling and Psychological Services, and office hours. She was always checking in with me about how my classes and life were going. Another way that I felt very supported was when a professor added more office hour time in a way that I would be able to participate and have my questions answered. Through all the support I was able to get excellent grades and have my name on the Park School Dean's list!

What “hands-on” experiences have you had in the classroom?

I enjoy the classes at Ithaca College because in all of them, I was able to have hands-on experience. For example, in my journalism classes my freshman year, I was able to write two articles and produce and record a podcast! In my strategic communications class, I created a new communications plan for the Ithaca College Wellness Clinic! These experiences helped me to develop important skills and to be sure about what career I want to pursue.  

Birsen Gürkaynak ’24

From: Nicosia, Cyprus
Major:  Biochemistry
Minor: German Area Studies
 
Campus Involvement:

• Office of International Programs Office Assistant and Summer Peer Advisory Leader (PAL)
• Biology Club (President)
• Apartment Assistant

Why did you choose IC? 
I chose IC because I wanted to study at a college with a close-knit community. Also, IC has an awesome biochemistry program, which isn't available at many colleges.
What keeps you coming back to IC? 
The community! I love how small the classes are since it enables me to make closer connections with my professors and peers. Even though we have a comparatively smaller international student population, I am grateful for all the help and support that I have received from the Office of International Programs, both mentally and physically. Finally, the education I have been receiving is unquestionably preparing me for my career in a thorough manner.
How have you been supported by faculty/staff on campus? 
I am from North Cyprus which is very close to Türkiye, and recently there was a huge earthquake there which was also felt greatly in Cyprus. I was at IC when it happened, and I felt the warmth and support from both my professors and the staff at IC; almost all of my professors asked me if everyone at home was fine and asked me how they could help. It really does matter when you feel seen at such situations. The emotional support I have been receiving is unmatched and this is a result of the aforementioned-close-knit community of IC. Moreover, the head of OIP, Diana Dimitrova, is a wonderful human being. She always makes sure that all the international students are safe, and it really makes me feel embraced whenever she asks if I landed safely as I fly from home to IC as the breaks end.
What “hands-on” experiences have you had in the classroom? 
I am a Biochemistry student, so I spend most of my time at the lab. Almost all of my classes have a lab section which enables me to practice the theoretical knowledge hands-on. Moreover, IC is comparatively a smaller college, which is an advantage if you are an undergraduate student since you get to work one-on-one with the faculty members on their research. I have been doing independent research since the second semester of my freshman year, and I kept doing research at different labs since then. 
What is your favorite IC memory/experience? 
My favorite memory would be the international orientation! It was my first time [in the United States], so I was very nervous to talk to people and even do anything. The international orientation reminded me that I was not alone at IC.
How is IC preparing you for your future?
I get to work one-on-one with faculty members with my topic of interest. Faculty members make sure that I present my research at scientific conferences. I think this is very crucial as a scientist since communicating science is as important as doing science.