Graduate school staff spotlight | Amani Al-Dajane, MBA'20

I am originally from Palestine. However, I have never been there. I was born and raised in Kuwait and then immigrated to Canada, where I earned my high school diploma and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Economics from the University of Toronto. I also became a Canadian citizen. I obtained my Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Hood College and was inducted into the international business honor society, Delta Mu Delta.

As the director of international student services and principal designated school official (PDSO), I manage the student exchange visitor program for all F-1 (international) students. My responsibilities include providing support, creating special programs for international students, and overseeing international student immigration policy and visa compliance.

Our international student population is steadily increasing. We currently have 140 international students, including both graduate and undergraduate students.

Last fall, we had 134 international students, while in fall 2022, we had 103 students. In fall of 2021, the number was 67; in fall of 2020, it was 66.

Our graduate programs have a larger international student population.

I would like to take a moment here and highlight that we have welcomed 12 new F-1 (international) undergraduate students this fall. This marks a significant increase compared to the three students we welcomed in fall 2023 and the one student in fall 2022. 

The 12 incoming students represent a diverse range of countries, including Sierra Leone, Morocco, Canada, Western Sahara, Mozambique, Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Ukraine and Peru. Among the 12 students, two are transfer students who have joined us from Frederick Community College (FCC) and Montgomery College (MC).

Yes, I have noticed an increase in the number of students from India, Myanmar (Burma), Nigeria, Turkey, Nepal and Sierra Leone this year. 50% of our graduate international student population is from India. Also, there has been a significant increase in our undergraduate international student population.

We welcomed 12 new F-1 (international) undergraduate students this fall compared to the three students we welcomed in fall 2023 and the one student in fall 2022. 

Unfortunately, there is a concerning trend with our Saudi student population, which has been steadily declining. We currently have 8 students from Saudi Arabia, compared to 14 last fall, 20 in fall 2022, 22 in fall 2021 and 39 in fall 2020.

We support our international students from the very beginning, ensuring a smooth transition to Hood College. This includes providing pre-arrival information on visas, course registration, travel, housing and documentation. Upon arrival, students attend orientation sessions covering key topics like F-1 visa regulations, academic policies and campus resources.

We also pair new F-1 students with current ones through our international peer mentorship program for guidance and support. To help them feel at home and integrated into our community, we organize cultural events such as International Education Week, Diwali, Holi, Iftar, Parade of Flags, Pizza with the PDSO, student lunches/dinners, karaoke nights and more to promote inclusivity and ease cultural shock.

Additionally, we educate students on F-1 benefits, such as on-campus employment, internships (CPT) and post-graduation job opportunities (OPT), through workshops like our on-campus employment, curricular practical training (CPT) and optional practical training (OPT) sessions to support their career development and smooth transition into the U.S. labor market.

What I enjoy most about working with our international student community is the opportunity to engage with such a diverse range of cultures, perspectives and experiences. It’s incredibly rewarding to support students from around the world as they navigate their academic journeys and contribute to the vibrancy of our campus.

I also find it fulfilling to help them adapt, succeed and thrive in a new environment while learning from them in return. Their resilience and drive continually inspire me. As I always say, international students bring the world to Hood College.

I am continually inspired by the strength, resilience and adaptability of our international students. They face unique challenges, whether it is adjusting to a new culture, mastering a new language or being far from home, yet they bring such a rich diversity of thought and experience to our campus.

I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their success, and I believe their presence enriches our Hood community. I am always looking for ways to better support and engage with them to ensure they feel welcomed, valued and empowered to succeed in their lives.

Inspired by professor Al-Dajane's story and ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn about the international student admission process by clicking here.