October 21-25, Shippensburg University celebrated International Education Week. In honor of this week-long event, Ship celebrates and recognizes students from various countries who come to Ship to study, as well as studies who embark on educational travel abroad opportunities.
Get to know a few of Ship’s international students:
Jayden Pohlman
Junior communications and journalism media major Jayden Pohlman decided to study abroad in Australia to pursue her dream of becoming a wildlife photographer. She was granted the opportunity to study at a university located on a nature preserve, and with the flexibility of her course schedule, she was able to spend a great deal of time photographing the wildlife in the area. Pohlman felt compelled to study abroad in Australia because it is home to many species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
While abroad, Pohlman learned that the saltwater crocodiles, known as “salties”, that live in the northernmost part of the country venture into the ocean, which was both a fascinating yet terrifying discovery!
Maria-Luiza (Malu) Takahashi
Takahashi is a senior political science and international studies major, born and raised in Brazil and of Japanese descent. She moved to the United States to pursue higher education.
“Shippensburg was a natural choice because of its proximity, program structures, options and for a more personalized education”, said Takahashi.
She also explained how Ship’s small class sizes enable her to have a more “one-on-one” learning experience. Takahaski also appreciates the university’s rich diversity of students, faculty and staff.
“There is a broad sense of community and spirit of camaraderie”.
One fun fact that Takahashi mentioned about Brazil was that it has one of the largest Japanese populations outside of Japan.
Davi Alfonso de Goes
Davi Alfonso de Goes, is a junior mechanical engineering major, originally from Brazil. Goes studied engineering for three years in Brazil, and then in 2022, his family moved from Brazil to Pennsylvania, and he saw this as the perfect opportunity to transfer his studies. Goes chose Shippensburg university because of the excellent engineering program, and because of the university itself.
“I love the look of the university, everything is very beautiful. But what I like most here is the diversity of people. Living with so many people from different places and nationalities makes academic life much more interesting and culturally rich.”
Yoshie Harino
Yoshie Hirano is pursuing a master’s in school counseling at Ship. She is originally from Japan, and her partner, who is from Pennsylvania mentioned that many educators from his workplace graduated from Ship, and this inspired Hirano to apply.
“ I love the communities at Shippensburg University. People here support and help each other and work closely together. As an international student, I also appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, which makes me feel comfortable studying at Ship.”
One thing that Hirano shared about her home country was that Japan loves mascots. She shared that cartoon-based mascots often represent cities, prefectures, etc., although it is surprisingly uncommon for them to have school mascots.
Nicola Puggé
Nicola Puggé is a senior communications, journalism, and media major. In 2019, she was attending a training camp in Germany, where she met Kurt Dunkel, the SU javelin coach and Connection AOD Program Coordinator. Puggé was looking to study in the United States, and after meeting Dunkel she decided to reach out to Ship’s track and field coaching staff, who offered her a place on the team.
Upon learning more about the programs that Ship offers and the CJM department, Puggé knew she wanted to attend the university. She also fell in love with the compact design of the campus, and the ability to walk to many of the major buildings on campus in less than ten minutes.
Puggé also enjoys that nearly every week there is a sporting event to attend, and the strong community within Ship’s athletic teams. She is also a member of the Slate, a student media organization that has provided her with hands-on experience and “the opportunity to learn”.
Milot Kajtazi
Kajtazi is a sophomore computer science major, originally from Kosovo. After completing elementary school in Kosovo, his family moved to the United States and he began schooling in Maryland.
Kajtazi chose Ship because of its proximity to his family, and because of the layout and size of the campus.
“Ship’s environment is a safe space. I love its nature and how well the campus is kept. The hospitality towards international students is greatly appreciated, and I love how I come across people with backgrounds around the world.”
One interesting fact that Kajtazi shared about his home country is that Kosovo is Europe’s youngest country, gaining its independence from Serbia on February 17th, 2008.
Ship is proud to acknowledge these outstanding students who exemplify and represent those who come from various parts of the world to study at Shippensburg University, and Ship students who explore learning experiences outside the United States.
