Hope College, nestled in the charming town of Holland, Michigan, is a place that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and community. Surrounded by beautiful nature, this safe campus provides an ideal environment for students to explore their passions. Whether it’s academics, extracurriculars, or social life, Hope College feels like the perfect home away from home. Its strong sense of community is something I’ve never experienced before.

My name is Alan, and I hail from Uzbekistan, which is located in Central Asia. Moving to the United States of America was a really transformative experience for me as an international student. When I was 18 years old, I embarked on my adventure to Hope College by boarding a flight that lasted for fifteen hours. This was the first time I had ever left my hometown. As someone who is majoring in Economics and minoring in Computer Science, I was attracted to Hope University because of the way it strikes a balance between rigorous academics and a student life that is encouraging. In the beginning, I had a hard time adjusting to the culture, the language, and the fact that I was so far away from home; nevertheless, Hope soon made me feel at home.

Hope College provides all of the resources that are necessary for new students to succeed. Each of the orientation events is intended to assist you in developing a sense of connection, and there are resources specifically geared for overseas students. Because of the helpful faculty and staff, the small class numbers, and the many chances to meet new people, adjusting to college life was much simpler overall. I was able to establish significant connections right from the beginning, and I never had the feeling that I was out of place.

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Hope students

The difficulties that overseas students experience are something that Hope College is aware of. I am acquainted with this fact. Among the services that are made available by the institution is the Fried International Center, which offers assistance with a variety of issues, including cultural adjustment and visas. As soon as I arrived, I discovered that both the teaching staff and the students are kind and accepting, which made it simple for me to adjust to this new culture. Adjusting to life in this country was not just a personal adventure for me, but it is also a one that many foreign students have successfully completed.

It would be an understatement to say that Hope College’s academic atmosphere comes highly recommended. Professors are enthusiastic and friendly, and they are always eager to assist students in achieving their goals. As a student majoring in Economics, I have had the opportunity to learn from instructors who have experience in the real world, and the Computer Science minor has provided me with the opportunity to use my analytical talents in new ways. On campus, there are several places to study in peace and quiet, with the Van Wylen Library being my personal favorite, as well as collaborative areas for working in groups. Both intellectually and psychologically, I get the impression that I am making significant progress here.


“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

— Nelson Mandela

In a literal sense, the campus of Hope College is like a breath of fresh air. There are natural trails, parks, and Lake Michigan all around the school, which is situated in the lovely city of Holland, Michigan, in the state of Michigan. It is not uncommon to see students out and about participating in outdoor activities like as bicycling and hiking, as well as attending events at the neighborhood farmer’s market.

One of the things that I like the most about Holland is how secure and tranquil it is. Having the knowledge that you are a part of a community that places a high priority on safety is a comfort for you as a student. Windmill Island Gardens and Holland State Park are two examples of the lovely vistas that can be seen outside the campus in Holland. These parks allow visitors to take in the distinctive Dutch history as well as the city’s stunning surroundings.



The community of students at Hope College is one of the institution’s most significant assets. Everyone at this place is kind, open to communication, and willing to be of assistance. No matter whether it’s in the context of classroom discussions or informal interactions in the dining hall, the environment is welcoming and encouraging of all individuals.

Similar to adults, students are purpose-driven. One gets the impression that everyone is striving toward their objectives, whether it is via student-run companies or by involvement in voluntary programs. This upbeat and dynamic atmosphere inspires you to perform to the best of your abilities in all aspects of your life, including academics and personal endeavors.

Choosing Hope College has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. It’s not just a place for academic growth but a place to grow as an individual. The combination of beautiful surroundings, a supportive community, and world-class education has made my first-year experience unforgettable. If you’re a new or international student, Hope College is a place where you’ll find not just a college, but a second home.

Thank you for attention:)

Published by Alan Kosimov

Class of 2028 Hometown: Tashkent, Uzbekistan Majors: Economics Minors: Computer Science

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