One of my favorite experiences was working in the residence halls as a Desk Assistant. I usually worked from 3 to 6pm and 10 to midnight twice a week.  Every time I worked at the desk, I met many students who lived in my dorm (May Hall), and we talked a lot together. Working at the desk helped me get to know many students who I wouldn’t have met and it was a perfect opportunity for me to learn how the residence hall operates. I truly loved working at the desk and talking with the other students who lived in my residence hall.

I really loved my host family experience and I suggest everyone apply to participate in the program. Host families help you to adapt to a totally new environment. My family asked me out to have a date with all of their family and sometimes even with their friends. It was very good chance to meet new people and talk together about my life in River Falls. My host family was wonderful and I really did feel like I was part of their family.

Being a student in the UWRF is a wonderful choice for anyone who wants to study in the United States. They have so many programs that make you to be involved in the campus, and most students are pretty much open to anyone from other countries. If you are open to talk anyone and willing to hang out with them, they would love to do that. One thing that I want to say is don’t be shy, don’t be hesitated, just do it!

If you’re thinking about attending UWRF, DO IT!! I had tons of fun and met a lot of new friends at UWRF. But you have to be open and participate in the activities and events at UWRF. You should also try to integrate and meet some “locals”, because staying with the international students from your own country will not improve your English that much and you probably won’t get the complete American experience.

I had so many great memories and new experiences at UW- River Falls. You might be surprised that one of my favorite memories was just hanging out with all my great friends from all over the world. During the warm weather we would hang out on campus, sit under the sun enjoying the beautiful weather and during winter we would lie on the couches near the fireplace in the University Center. We just talked and talked; it seemed to never end. We talked about everything from funny stories that happened back in our home countries to how we see things with different perspectives. With all the laughs and joy during that wonderful time, my dear friends reminded me how different we were, and at the same how much we had in common.

Having a host family was another one of my favorite experiences! My dear host family gave me more than I could have ever expected. We spent lots of time together and did a lot of interesting activities. I did things that I have never done before like as baking cookies, shopping on black Friday, and decorating a big Christmas tree! I really had a great time with my host family and am thankful that I had the chance to become a member of their family. I’m sure that one day in future I will be visiting them again!

For those who are having thoughts of becoming a part of the UWRF family, I would say just apply! You will meet so many amazing people at UWRF and make the greatest memories. The time you spend at UWRF might be the best time of your life. It was for me.

My favorite memory of UWRF was spending time with all of my new friends! We would get together for lunch or dinner and just talk and talk. Then we would spend time outside, playing with a Frisbee or studying together. The friends I made at UWRF really made my experience special.

My host family experience was also really great! I had the best host family!! We spent time in different places like going to the Renaissance Festival, baking cookies, playing Wii or watching soccer or basketball games. My family helped me feel less home sick, and supported me in everything I needed, just like my real family.
 
You should come to UWRF! It is a really great place and you can find really good friends not only from the U.S., but from around the world. This experience opens your mind to a different culture and a different way of thinking. While I was only at UWRF for 4 months, it changed my life.

I have many favorite memories from UWRF but the people I met were the best part of my experience. I had fun hanging out in University Center with friends, visiting my American friends’ homes and meeting their families, and cooking delicious food together.  When I had hard time with papers or exams, my friends helped me. When I was homesick, my friends cheered me up. I hope I never forget all of my River Falls memories.

My host family was also great! We still keep in touch even though we are not in the same country. We had a lot of fun experiences together. I met many cousins, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, and grandparents. We went to the apple orchard, water park, and tree farm. I experienced ice skating, sledding in the snow, and playing basketball too!
I will never forget my host family…ever.

I was really nervous before coming to UWRF. But when I arrived I realized I had nothing to be nervous about. The people at UWRF are awesome and very sweet. Everyone is super friendly and everywhere you look people are smiling! River Falls has a beautiful sunset and in the winter the whole town is covered in snow – it’s so wonderful. I love UWRF!!

Before going to UWRF, International Student Services Coordinator, contacted me several times to make sure everything was fine, such as the VISA, flights, and the transportation to UWRF. All the instruction and information that I received really helped a lot. After arriving at UWRF, the International Student Services office had not only helped the international students go through all the paperwork, but also had held several interesting events during weekend, such as taking us on a boat trip, having a great time at the Minnesota State Fair, and shopping at the Mall of America. 

All those activities let the international students get to know each other in a short period of time. I really enjoyed International Student Orientation! I met friends from other countries and had all of my questions answered. I felt as if I was part of the "Falcon Family" from the moment I arrived.

One of my favorite UWRF memories is the International Bazaar. I was part of a group of students that performed at the event. We danced and sang together. It was so much fun and we got to know each other better. It was a wonderful memory that I will never forget.

I also spent a lot of time with my host family. We watched basketball and baseball games very often, because one of my host brothers was on the team. I enjoyed all the games. My host family also invited me to join their dinner in their lovely home many times, I tried many different foods and I experienced their life.  

The best piece of advice I can give to new students is, don't hesitate! Take advantage of every opportunity and you will love it!