Saud Alanazi was looking through college websites when he came across Ball State University. Though he applied to other schools in the United States, Ball State was the first to send him the papers required for him to study in the U.S., which sealed his decision and entry into the school.
A resident of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Alanazi has been in Muncie since June of this year. The 24-year old will continue his studies here for two years as a student in the public relations master's program.
He is part of a growing number of international students on campus. According to the Rinker Center for International Programs, there are about 120 students from Saudi Arabia at Ball State. These students are currently the second largest group of students, behind those from China.
"[Ball State] is one of the chosen universities for Saudi Arabian students," director of international recruitment and admissions, Kamala Dontamsetti said. "We have an excellent program here - they study here and go back and build their society as a whole."
She also said word about Ball State gets around among the Saudi students and their friends.
Views on Ball State and Muncie
The transition to a new environment can be confusing and overwhelming for many international students.
"It's a nice school in general," Alanazi said. "I didn't have problems with the international office but they weren't quite clear with a lot of details regarding student homes a couple months before the fall semester."
Alanazi enjoys Ball State's campus, but said he thinks Muncie is boring.
"There is not much to do here; it's even worse in the summer," he said.
His main issue is with bus transportation. He says the hours can be inconvenient, especially when he had a night class that ended at 9:30 p.m. and the bus stops running at 9:30 p.m.
"I had to call a taxi and wait an hour to get picked up," he said.
However, Alanazi is appreciative of the people in Muncie.
"People are very nice. I haven't had issues with anyone," he said.
Dontamsetti agrees, and said the people in Muncie have been receptive to international students. She also said that many Saudi women are coming to Ball State to pursue an education.
"[Muncie] is a very family town. Its small, not a big metropolitan city," she said. "Most come with their family [and small children]."
Life in America
"I love it here [in America]," Alanazi said. "I like the fact that it's a free country - everyone can say whatever they want whenever they want. Everyone has their own opinion."
Besides the difference in cultures, being a Saudi student in America hasn't been all that difficult for Alanazi, but he said he's not used to paying bills for his apartment, or the differences in academic programs from Saudi Arabia compared to Ball State.
"I never had to write a research paper [for my bachelor's degree], but I have been here for five weeks and I have already done three," he said.
Despite this difference, he stays positive about the academic experience.
"Professors are nice and give helpful advice," he said. "In the end, it comes back to the person himself. You can give me advice for days but I have to face it on my own. I take that advice and work with it and let it guide me."
Language barrier
For many Saudis, the language barrier can be difficult if their English is not up to par. Many of them participate in the Intensive English Institute (IEI), Alanazi said. The program is seven weeks long and students are usually in class for quite a few hours. Despite this, he said he believes they need more time outside of the classroom to practice.
"From my experience, the only way to improve language is to speak it with native speakers," he said.
Benefits to community
With an increase in the Saudi student population at Ball State, the Muncie economy also gets a boost.
"They come in the community and shop locally," said Scott Cantrell, director of international student services.
Cantrell also said that the international students are learning who Americans are firsthand. They find out that the differences between the two are less than imagined, and barriers are being broken down for both Americans and Saudis by interacting with one another in classes and campus organizations.
Back to home
Dontamsetti said most Saudi students return home after they have completed their studies at Ball State.
"There is a huge need for educated employees in Saudi Arabia," she said. "They will use their education to benefit themselves as an individual, family, culture and society."
Alanazi is also plans on heading back to Saudi Arabia when he is finished with his education.
"My life is there," he said. "Go back and get a job there, get married, buy a house."
But like many students, he appreciates the experience he will get by learning about a different culture other than his own.
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