Elmhurst College hosts 10 international students
As part of Elmhurst College's ongoing efforts to become a more global campus, the college recently celebrated 10 international high school students who took part in the second annual Elmhurst College 2018 Summer Immersion Program.
During the nearly monthlong academic and cultural program, international students experienced what college life is like and immersed themselves in the excitement of a busy Chicago summer.
They took a course in global business and learned about choosing and attending a college in the U.S. They also plunged into a whirlwind of cultural activities that included Major League Baseball, high-end shopping, sightseeing and a camping trip.
At the program's graduation ceremony on Aug. 1, the students, from different cities and high schools in Vietnam and Greece, received a certificate of achievement, college credit for their coursework, and a $2,000 scholarship.
They also were invited to rejoin the Elmhurst College community one day as full-time students.
"We created this program because we wanted to provide international students with a unique experience," said Timothy Ricordati, vice president for admission.
"America always has been, and always will be, a place that welcomes everyone from around the world. Hopefully, over the last three and a half weeks, Elmhurst College has provided a little of that welcome to you. What you have seen here is truly what America is about."
President Troy D. VanAken said the Summer Immersion Program is "paving the way for Elmhurst College to become even more of a global campus," and he applauded the students for working and playing hard throughout the program. "We hope many of you will choose to study here."
That's the wish of 16-year-old Evelyn Do from Da Nang, Vietnam. Once she finishes high school in two more years, she plans to come back to study criminal justice or law.
"I really appreciate that Elmhurst College gave me a lot of opportunities to develop my academic and communication skills," she said. "I loved it so much."