TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Students from around the world created a melting pot of culture as they arrived for Troy University’s international student orientation.

For many students, this is their first time in America. 

“I’m looking forward to meet the whole Trojan community, make some friends and explore, explore, explore!” said Natalia Banaskiewicz, an international student from Poland.

Yuya Hisamura, an international student from Japan, echoed her excitement.

According to International Student Services, TROY is welcoming over 250 new international students this Fall semester. Every student took a different journey to get here.

“There were some international programs at my university, so I searched it and saw Troy University,” Banaskiewicz said. “I saw a good program that I was very interested in, so I just decided to apply.”

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: See TrojanVision’s previous international coverage

“I had to do a minor,” said Noa Kiekebosch, an international student from the Netherlands. “I was looking at the options and saw the option to go to Troy University. I just thought ‘why not,’ and I applied.”

Students expressed that above all, the chance for new experiences and friendships is what drew them here.

“People say that it’s some kind of different world, so I definitely wanted to experience that and broaden my cultural horizons,” Banaskiewicz said.

Bente Somsen is an international student from the Netherlands. She is excited for campus events.

“You really get the American school experience,” she said.

Some students stay for just a semester, while others stay for a year or longer. Either way, many say they want to make the most out of their time at TROY.

The University boasts many international clubs and organizational students can be a part of. Some include the International Student Cultural Organization (ISCO), Chinese Culture Club, Spanish Club, Japan Club and Afro-Dance Club.