International Student Stories

Brett Jones | Paula Mantooth | Tou Yang | Henrique Sousa | Nadiya Kyrylova

	Name:Brett Jones Class: Sophomore Major: Sports Management Home Country: England
Q:	How long have you been in the U.S.?
A:	Two years this August, I came here on a scholarship for Soccer. I go home twice a year at Christmas time and on summer break.
Q:	What are some of the challenges that you have experienced as an international student?
A:	Being away from home, the cultural differences, and having to learn to cook, clean, etc. I am from Nottingham, where there are lots of shops, trams, cars, trains, and taxis and night life. When I arrived here to the smallest airport, I was expecting a city to appear. There was no city. I am used to going out at night. The drinking age is 18 there. The food is way different. I am used to my mom’s cooking. Here, there is a lot of fast food, which I am not a fan of.
Q:	What suggestions do you have for RSU in better serving students from other countries?
A:	They need a place for international students and non international students to meet. I have made a lot of American friends that will be my friends for life. People ask me a lot of questions about England, so maybe offer international courses. They could widen on an international perspective.
Q:	What are some of the experiences that you will take back with you to England?
A:	People here in Claremore are the friendliest people I will ever meet. People have supported me and I know they have my back. If you look over the countryside, it is so unbelievably pretty. I am also not used to people being so religious, so I will probably take that back with me as well.
Q:	What have been your favorite and least favorite American experiences?
A:	My favorite is meeting and learning new cultures, and living a different lifestyle. My least favorite thing is living in a small town. I miss the city at home and going out night and day in a lively atmosphere.
Q:	What are your plans for the future?
A:	To return home in pursuit of a sporting career, whether it is on or off the field.