Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram

Growing up in New Delhi, India, Anmol Arora never imagined that a year-long graphic design course in high school would one day lead him to the United States鈥攁nd eventually a career in instructional design.

Arora arrived at the 宅男福利社 in August 2024 to study through a 1+1 program he discovered while pursuing a master鈥檚 in animation at Chandigarh University in Punjab, India. He chose the U.S. because he had an aunt in Virginia. 鈥淚f I was going to study abroad, I wanted it to be somewhere I had family,鈥� he said.

Though the transition to 宅男福利社went smoothly, his first grocery trip proved more challenging. 鈥淚 kept comparing everything to my home currency. A gallon of milk was four dollars, but back home it cost about 400 rupees.鈥�

Unable to work off campus during his first academic year, Arora took a job as a driver for Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol (SNAP) with University Police and immersed himself in the culture and events at UWA’s International House, where he often cooked Indian dishes and helped host events. 鈥淗aving friends鈥攂oth international and American鈥攔eally helped me adjust,鈥� he said.

Eager to support himself once he became eligible for off-campus work, Arora began to fine-tune his resume. He turned to ChatGPT, which generated a short list of companies with potential openings related to his education and experience. One such company was ABB, a global corporation with offices in Memphis. Soon he was on his way to an interview and later secured an internship designing eLearning modules.

鈥淚 think it was my broad experience that interested them,鈥� he said.

That experience began during his undergraduate studies in computer applications at Vidyapeeth, Delhi, India, where he redesigned banners for a local shop, started posting his designs on Instagram, and launched a social media marketing start-up called Blue Hounds with three friends. He later designed content for the nonprofit Let鈥檚 Do It India and worked in motion design for a children鈥檚 book publisher鈥攅xperience that eventually led him to instructional design.

Moving across the world did not rattle Arora, but it was difficult for his mother. 鈥淪he worries all the time,鈥� he said. 鈥淢y father wants me to do everything I can to be successful.鈥� This past Thanksgiving, he flew home for the first time since coming to the U.S., surprising his family. 鈥淢y mom cried and cried,鈥� he said. 鈥淢y parents helped support me my first two semesters here, but after my internship I鈥檝e been able to support myself and even pay for my own airline ticket. I even bought a car a few weeks ago. It felt good to be able to do that.鈥�

Still, his visit home created unexpected emotions. 鈥淲hen I was here, I missed India,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut when I was finally there, I realized it was the people I missed鈥攖he feeling of being with them鈥攏ot the place itself.鈥�

When he returned to campus, he continued working at ABB part time, he resumed his job with University Police, and he earned a graduate assistantship with 宅男福利社International Programs, where he kept coordinating events for the International House, including celebrating Holi, the Festival of Colors. The vibrant Hindu festival celebrates spring love, and victory by throwing colored powders and water. 鈥淲e made a mess, but everyone loved it and are eager to celebrate it again next March.鈥�

Following his graduation during Fall 2025 commencement exercises, he will relocate to Virginia to live with his aunt and begin full-time employment with ABB through Optional Practical Training (OPT), a temporary employment work authorization that permits international students to work in their field of study for up to one year.

His role at ABB blends everything he has learned. 鈥淚 work with subject matter experts on complex systems and break the information down into eLearning modules,鈥� he explained. 鈥淚 use my design skills, my understanding of how people learn through my classes here at UWA, and even coding when something needs fixing that I learned as an undergrad in India. It鈥檚 the perfect fit for me.鈥�

For now, Arora is ready to step fully into corporate life. 鈥淚 like the 8-to-5 hours,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ack home it鈥檚 more like 8-to-8 or 10-to-9鈥攜ou get home when you get home just to do it all over again.” He added, “U.S. work culture 鈥渙ffers a better work-life balance.鈥�

Looking ahead, Arora hopes to pursue a Ph.D., possibly at North Carolina State University, and eventually build a career in instructional design. 鈥淎nd if I get a really good opportunity, I鈥檇 like to stay in the U.S.,鈥� he says. 鈥淚鈥檇 love for my brother to come here too, preferably to UWA. That would be great.鈥�

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Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram

Yuhua Pang, a finance major at the 宅男福利社, recently participated in a one-week study abroad program at Ajman University in the United Arab Emirates. Pang, an international student from China, is studying at 宅男福利社in partnership with the Guangdong University of Finance. During her time in the UAE, she has immersed herself in the culture, economy, and sustainability efforts, engaging in global learning experiences to broaden her perspective. 

Dr. Mark Davis, dean of UWA鈥檚 International Programs, explains that the UWA鈥檚 two-year partnership with Ajman University began following a 宅男福利社professor鈥檚 Fulbright experience in the UAE. The professor, Dr. Mustafa Morsy, chair of biological and environmental sciences at 宅男福利社and professor of biology, played a key role in fostering this collaboration.

While in the United Arab Emirates, Pang and 40 other students toured Ajman University and explored Dubai鈥檚 rich heritage at Al Seef, a historic district that showcases traditional Emirati culture. They also visited the Dubai Frame, a 150-meter-high architectural icon offering stunning panoramic city views.

The group examined innovative agricultural practices, including hydroponic solar net houses, as they explored sustainable solutions for food security in arid climates. They also enjoyed an evening desert safari featuring a traditional Bedouin-style BBQ. A visit to the Burj Khalifa, the world鈥檚 tallest building, provided a firsthand look at Dubai鈥檚 rapid urban development. The students also participated in environmental sustainability efforts at Al Zorah Golf Club, where they learned about saltwater irrigation and planted trees to support local conservation initiatives. The program concluded with visits to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque鈥攖wo of the UAE鈥檚 most iconic cultural landmarks.

鈥淭his study abroad experience has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my academic life,鈥� said Pang. 鈥淚 gained valuable insights into sustainability, innovation, and cultural diversity while building lasting connections with people around the world. I highly encourage anyone considering studying abroad to seize the opportunity鈥攊t鈥檚 truly a life-changing experience!鈥�

UWA鈥檚 commitment to expanding global education and fostering cross-cultural exchanges through its International Programs Office continues to offer students from all disciplines opportunities to learn beyond the classroom and engage with different cultures.

For more information on study abroad opportunities at UWA, contact the International Programs Office at ip@uwa.edu.

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A student perspective by Brandon Williamson

Don’t just go, LEAD has become synonymous with my time in Cape Town.

Not only did I enhance my leadership skills but being among several amazing leaders鈥攚hether academic counselors, community leaders, peers, or other staff鈥攖his experience was full of inspiration, self-reflection, gratitude, and appreciation. During the first days, we experienced authentic African culture at “Gold Restaurant.” Being able not only to learn but also to participate in the culture through dance, drum-beating, and authentic food made the experience more memorable.

Leadership development was a focal point throughout this entire experience. Before departure, students were responsible for watching the film “Invictus,” which highlights the African Rugby team following the election of President Nelson Mandela. Our responses to the film helped determine the African leader we would be assigned to research for an assignment. I was assigned to research activist and South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu. His philosophy of nonviolence and his recognition that religion is not the issue but how people attempt to use religion to justify their actions helped identify alternatives and create strategies to overcome segregation and oppression. This research also demonstrated that true leaders help and enhance other leaders, as Tutu鈥檚 work with President Mandela allowed their impact to grow internationally. Leaders constantly work to improve the lives of others.

This experience abroad challenged me academically because there was so much to learn within such a short time frame. Dr. Mario Chandler provided insightful details and inclusive discussions to help students understand the current and previous challenges in South Africa. One of the first lectures discussed the political system, and with the recent political election it explained the current political situation. This was the first time since Mandela’s election in 1994 that the African National Congress (ANC) did not receive the majority vote, but fortunately for supporters, they were able to form a coalition with another political party. Numerous lessons highlighted significant events, people, music, and culture. Learning and visiting Robben Island and seeing the cell where Mandela was incarcerated, helped me understand that what society considers today’s communist can be tomorrow’s leader. Nelson Mandela was incarcerated due to his aggressive and radical behavior with the promilitarian wing of the ANC known as the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK)political party. While in prison, he remained revered as an influential figure. The Robben Island tour was led by a former inmate who served time with Mandela, making it both a learning opportunity and an adventure.

Among other adventures, hiking one of the highest mountains in the world, Table Mountain, helped me recognize my ability to challenge myself. Through resilience and determination, once I reached the top, I felt accomplished and confident in facing life’s challenges. Whether hiking, walking with elephants, shark cage diving, or zip lining, there were numerous activities to challenge and explore my potential. Seeing animals during the safari helped me realize that the world is an open arena full of opportunities to be among different people, animals, and environments. Everyone and everything is not always fair, making life difficult and different.

Participating in community service revealed that helping others is not just a quick day鈥檚 work. Visiting several communities showed that all communities have different issues but all need support. As we arrived at the local school, Bokamerie, students quickly approached the bus and greeted us with smiles and friendly faces. Considering that many of the students came from poverty-stricken areas filled with drugs, crime, and other issues, they remained happy and thankful. Interacting with students through games, conversations, crafts, and other activities made the experience special. Their talents in singing, dancing, cosmetology, sports, and other activities were amazing. Visiting the Amy Foundation and Soup Moms also recognized that neighbors and other people want to be there for their community and desire to help in any way possible.

This experience was both an academic and adventurous one and a personal journey toward discovering my future. As a History major, I not only learned more about the culture and history of Cape Town, South Africa, but this experience also solidified that education and assisting students is where I belong. I understand that students face different challenges but desire to reach greater heights of success. I recommend that students consider studying abroad to learn more about themselves and experience the cultures and adventures of another country.

Find out how Brandon made his trip to Cape Town, South Africa, possible here: /news/uwa-history-major-receives-scholarship-to-study-abroad/

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