So here I am, all the way from Uzbekistan—yes, that little gem in Central Asia—living in Holland, Michigan. Let me tell you, adjusting to a new culture, different language, and unfamiliar faces wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. But Hope College made it easier than I ever imagined. I’ve been here for a short while, and I already feel like I belong. Let’s dive into five reasons why Hope feels like home to an international student.
Hope is Full of Kind Souls
You know how people say, “Midwestern nice”? It’s real. From day one, everyone here—students, professors, staff—has been so warm and welcoming. I mean, where else would the college president invite students to his home for hot cocoa and carols? It’s like everyone’s on a mission to make sure you feel at ease, no matter where you’re from.
“Politeness is a sign of dignity, not subservience.” — Theodore Roosevelt
It is not merely a matter of friendliness; rather, it is a genuine concern. My professors go above and beyond to ensure that I am successful in my studies. When I was absent from an economics class due to a visa issue, my instructor wrote me a text message wishing me luck rather than penalizing me for my absence. Oh my goodness, that is the next level of generosity!
Nature: A Breath of Fresh Air
The town of Holland, Michigan is not only secure; it is also stunning. There is a place that is worthy of being posted on Instagram around every corner. To put it another way, Windmill Island Gardens, Holland State Park, and Lake Michigan are all conveniently located in my immediate vicinity. At any time that I feel the need for a break, I go to the beach, take a deep breath of the clean air from the lake, and just… reset.
It is as if you are taking a short break from the hustle and bustle of campus when you walk through the Pine Grove. Think about the sound of leaves crunching under your feet in the autumn and squirrels hopping around in a playful manner. It is pure magic.
Study Together, Stay Together
If studying were a solo mission, I’d probably be drowning in stress by now. Luckily, Hope College thrives on collaboration. The library? Always buzzing with clusters of students bouncing ideas off each other. We tackle everything together—projects, coding assignments, and late-night brainstorming sessions fueled by coffee and good vibes.
I still remember that time a group of us struggled with a brutal SQL query. None of us could figure it out alone, but after an hour of collective head-scratching, we cracked the code together. Those moments teach you something: two brains (or five) really are better than one.
And honestly, study marathons with friends are what keep us going. Whether it’s revising for a final or debugging a pesky piece of code, knowing someone’s right there with you makes all the difference. You cheer each other on, share snacks, and somehow, even the hardest work becomes manageable—and sometimes even fun.
So, if you ever feel stuck, just grab a classmate (or three). Trust me, teamwork isn’t just a strategy here—it’s the secret sauce to surviving and thriving at Hope College.
A Place That Feels Like Family
As an international student, I was nervous about fitting in. What if I didn’t connect with anyone? But that fear disappeared quickly. Hope College is big on inclusivity. Whether you’re from Uzbekistan, Texas, or Mars, you belong.
Conclusion
The Journey’s Just Begun.
Rather than being merely a school, Hope College is more like a home away from home. Kindness, nature, traditions, teamwork, and a community that feels like a family have all contributed to making my experience stand out as one of the most memorable of my life. Hope is the place to be if you are looking for a place where you can develop both academically and personally while being surrounded by people who genuinely care about you.
Now, what exactly are you holding out for? You are being called to the beach, the squirrels are waiting for you, and Hope College has a spot reserved specifically for you.