International students studying at Wayne State can tick off numerous challenges they face: language barriers, economic concerns and lack of a social circle are at the top of the list. But the Internationals @ Wayne State student group exists to help fill the void and ensure that international students get the most out of their time on campus.

"This group is for individuals who come to America, often for the first time, and find they have to start a new life altogether,"

says Internationals @ Wayne State's President and engineering student Chirag Khimavat. He says that it is difficult for international students to make friends in a new country. "First of all, you came from thousands of miles away. You are in a comfort zone by yourself, so you don't go out much or make many new friends.

"So, from the time this group started we've tried to bring all the international people on campus together to hang out, help them out and get them to see this beautiful city. A person who lives here may have seen the DIA many times and may not be interested in going again, but someone who just came in and is only here for a few months may only get one chance to see it."

The group welcomes domestic students as well, because they help provide an authentic experience for international students who want to interact with their fellow Warriors.

Making friends isn't the only goal of Internationals @ Wayne State. Khimavat says the group strives to help each other any way they can. "We want people get help when they need it," he says. "People come here, and they don't have a SIM card, they may not have furniture for their rooms or appliances in their apartments, so we help when we can." A recent example would be Internationals @ Wayne State helping provide formal wear for members who needed it for a Valentine's Day party the group attended.

Engineering major David Leviste of the Philippines is just one of many international students who has had a positive experience with Internationals @ Wayne State. "I believe in the power of human connection," he says. "Being surrounded by people from different walks of life is something else, it's absolutely inspiring."

Leviste described his time in Detroit with the group as one of the highlights of his young life. "I have never felt so alive, Detroit will always have a special place in my heart."

Khimavat first got involved by attending a Halloween party in 2018, and he found the organization helped him immensely. "I've made close friends through this group," he says. "People I still talk to daily, even if we are in different parts of the world. I know the group was very beneficial to me, it got me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to experience things I wouldn't have otherwise."

Khimavat's proudest moment as president was organizing a camping trip to the Sleeping Bear Dunes with 18 group members. He hopes that as the group expands, he will be able to get them involved in more activities such as this.

"I hope this evolves into a global community," Khimavat says. "You come in and get whatever help you need, you can find people to hang out with regardless of race, ethnicity, age, or any other discriminating factor. If you're travelling to a foreign country, we want you to be able to meet up with members of this group who have been here in the past and have them help you in your trip. More importantly instead of being alone have someone to share your Wayne State memories with.

"The scope of this group is as much as anyone wants it to be. It's open, no registrations, no requirements, no questions asked. Whatever someone needs, we want to be able to provide it. We want to help out and have as much fun as we can - together."

Internationals @ Wayne State is always looking for more members so check out their Facebook and Instagram pages! Everyone is welcome, including non-international students, so don't be shy!

By Jacob Stocking, OIP communications associate.

The Office of International Programs leads Wayne State's global engagement by creating opportunities that foster international education and research, facilitate the exchange of individuals and ideas that promote global competencies and citizenship, and provide resources that support the expansion of the university's global agenda. Follow us @WayneOIP