College brings its own set of challenges and experiences for every student, but for some international students, it can also mean navigating a language that is not their first.
English is not the first language for every student on campus, but that has not stopped international Wildcats from building friendships and making a difference in the community. While they are required to show English proficiency before coming to the U.S., the real challenge truly begins once they arrive.
“There are challenges, of course, like learning new stuff, getting used to it,” junior Jayward Ashby said. “With English, I do struggle with certain stuff, like changing from language, getting a school in Dutch and then getting a school in English, like, especially for maths.”
Ashby is originally from Paradera, Aruba, and knew he always wanted to study in the states. In school, Ashby was taught some Spanish and English, but school was mostly in Dutch. Ashby said his first language is a mixture of Dutch, Portuguese, English and Spanish, also known as Papiamento, a creole language commonly spoken in Aruba.
Ashby did not initially have WSC in mind when browsing college options in the states.
“I didn’t necessarily want to go Wayne, but I wanted to always come study in the States,” Ashby said. “Wayne was one of the places that I got interested in when we had this school fair. I talked to bunch of schools, and I got an opportunity here, and I took it.”
WSC currently has students from all over the world, each bringing their own languages and traditions to campus. For international students like Ashby, English is not his first language, but it helps him connect with others in and out of class.
According to the International and Cultural Programs Office, WSC offers a variety of support services for international students, including orientation programs and immigration support.
“To receive an F-1 visa, students must already demonstrate English proficiency, since English is the primary language taught at U.S. colleges,” International and Cultural Program Coordinator, Elizabeth Lara-Arroyo said. “Most students meet this requirement through standardized tests or by completing prior education in English. We understand that adjusting to academic English can still be challenging. We encourage students to take the first step in seeking support and we are here to connect them.”
Fellow Aruban student Daniel Werlemen’s journey to Wayne took a slightly different path. Growing up just five minutes from Ashby’s hometown, Werlemen also spoke Papiamento and Dutch, but strengthened his English through online high school courses before coming to the U.S.
Although it was not Werlemen’s first language, his English progressed through Aruba’s tourism.
“It wasn’t that hard because of the tourism that Aruba has we already speak in a lot of English to the tourists,” Werlemen said.
Although English is the dominant language at WSC, both students say it is the people, not the language that make Wayne feel welcoming. Lara-Arroyo said those connections are what make English a bridge rather than a barrier.
“I have seen students bond over learning each other’s phrases,” Lara-Arroyo said. “If we want to connect and understand each other, we need to be more mindful. It’s not about changing who we are but about making space for others to feel welcome.”
At its heart, studying abroad and campus life itself, is about learning to meet people halfway. Lara-Arroyo said the office works to create spaces where all students feel safe, seen and supported, through events like Heritage Day, Diwali or other events.
“International students contribute meaningfully to campus life and make a real impact in the community,” Lara-Arroyo said. “Whether it’s with clubs like African Student Association, Spanish Club or sports like rugby, they show up, share their cultures and build connections.”
For Lara-Arroyo, the goal is not just helping international students adjust, it is about encouraging students to have a shared laugh or a conversation at a campus event that builds understanding.
“I hope domestic students understand that international students are an important part of our campus community,” Lara-Arroyo said. “They contribute in many ways through clubs, sports, volunteering and even helping fund and support local efforts. It’s not only about what international students bring. It’s also about how we all show up for each other.”
For WSC international students, those bridges make all the difference. Every word that is learned, every friend made and every moment of understanding adds up to a campus that feels a little more like home.
“Having good friends and good support system, just people I get to know,” Ashby said. “I think that’s what kept me going.”
