Name:  Geok Simm (Jocelyne) Tan

Home:  Penang, Malaysia

Major:  Nutrition-Dietetic

 

"Before I came here, I did not have any close friends or relatives that could help me in Minnesota. I really felt stressed, worried and helpless until I got in touch with Pete and Amber who work with ISO. They were really nice, friendly and helpful. Before arriving in Minneapolis, Pete and Amber told me a lot of the things that I should pay attention to, especially the weather, what to bring, etc through emails. Then, they picked me up from the airport at midnight (I am really touched about this) and hosted me for a week. In my first week in US, they drove me to school, introduced the school buildings to me...especially my department building in St. Paul, helped me to apply for cell phone and bank account, and brought me to grocery store. They also helped me to look for and move into the apartment where I live in now.

 

Furthermore, In addition, I have learned a lot about American culture through the activities that were organized by ISO. For example spring BBQ, a Valentine’s Day event, and certain festivals like Chinese New Year and Thanksgiving dinner. I also joined a camping trip to Gooseberry State Park last summer. It was a great experience. I know a lot of new and nice people through ISO.

 

The most touching thing is receiving emails and text messages from Pete and Amber after moving out from their house. They just like my mum and dad, who took care of me when I had nobody in US. I am really glad to know them and I am very thankful for them and ISO. I cannot imagine how I would be without them. ISO has helped me a lot.  With their warmth, I have not been lonely in the US."

Name:  Shwu Yann

Home:  KL, Malaysia

Major:  Business

"I am ShwuYann from Malaysia. I reached Minneapolis in January 2008, the coldest time in Minnesota! I thought I would have suffered from the cold winter but fortunately, I met my host family who gave me the warmest welcome and help! They helped me to get familiar with the campus, my housing and also introduced me to a group of friends. ISO also organizes events from time to time like Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and even Chinese New Year! These are very good times to get to know their culture and also know more friends from all over the world. =) Thanks to ISO I have had a good time here in Minnesota!"

Name:  Jared Leong
Home:  Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Major:  Chemical Engineering

"As an international student arriving in a foreign country such as the United States of America, most people usually struggle with cultural shock and adaptation to the new environment such as the (freezing) cold weather, people, and food here in Minnesota. But thankfully, I managed to touch base with Pete and Amber from International Student Outreach (ISO) here at the University of Minnesota before coming over and they helped pick me up from the airport and even hosted me at their house for a few nights while I searched for a place near campus to live in. While I was still there, Pete was very kind and helpful to bring me around town to get a new US cell phone number, to the grocery store such as Walmart and Target to buy some groceries and essential items for school. Thanks to their warm hospitality, I felt more at home and not so "homesick" when I first arrived there. It has been almost 2 years since I have known them and we have been seeing and keeping in touch with each other frequently through many social events organized by ISO such as the annual Chinese New Year event, outdoor picnic and games, camping trips, and so much more! It has been a great blessing to know them and I truly cherish our friendship. Above all, I really thank God for blessing me with HIS divine appointment and timing to meet all these wonderful folks here in the U.S.A."



...and more testimonials to come...