• Global Village provides an opportunity for international students to assimilate into the American culture
• Global Village ambassadors take away as much from the experience as the international students
• Before Global Village was founded, international students were scattered in dorms and off campus housing
• Applicants apply in the fall before the year in which they participate

Five years ago, international students arrived at Marquette University and were scattered through dorms or had to find off-campus housing. Some stayed in a run down, unfurnished house, missing out on the opportunity to become acclimated to the community, said Alison Droster, Global Village Community Assistant and senior in the College of Arts & Sciences. As a result, Global Village was founded so that international students would feel welcome, safe and part of Marquette.

"It's a great way for students to meet each other, grow together, share the semester and their lives," Droster said.

This semester, international students come from 15 different countries and participate mostly in the International Business Program. The largest number of students call Spain, France or Belgium home, Droster said.

Global Village participants reside on the third floor of Campus Town West located at 1618 W. Wells St. Between 60 to 75 students contribute to the Residence Life-run program each year, roughly half are ambassadors and half are international students, she said.

In order to become an ambassador, Droster said students must apply to the program. Those interested apply during the fall semester for placement the following year.

"We look for people to apply not necessarily to grow in numbers, but in quality," she said. "We want to get the awareness out into the Marquette community and grow in recognition."

Dan Bergen, area coordinator for University Apartments, said Global Village participants "are great leaders and have a great passion for multicultural experiences."

Many ambassadors in Global Village choose to live there as a precursor or follow-up to studying abroad, he said. Other students whose schedules are too demanding to study abroad appreciate having the option of an international experience at home.

Kathleen Joyce, a senior in the College of Arts & Sciences, has been an ambassador for the past two years and said she and her sophomore roommate decided to live in Global Village because they wanted to meet people from different countries.

"It seemed like a perfect fit for what we wanted out of our living situation," Joyce said. "I was hoping to continue living in an open, friendly environment (like what) was provided for me when I was living in the dorms."

Joyce said when she applied for Global Village she never could have imagined that it would be so beneficial.

"Not many people can say they are living with people from three different continents," she said. "I have best friends from all over the world."

Priscilla Lalthankimi, a graduate student from Mizoram, India, said she decided to participate because she thought it would be a great opportunity to meet people from different parts of the world and some amazing American ambassadors. She said she enjoys "the spirit of everyone being so open to others on the floor."

Joyce said her experience as an ambassador has been rewarding.

"It's fun to watch international students assimilate into the American culture because at first it can be a real shock," she said.

Joyce recalls her Belgian roommate being surprised when she bought fruits and vegetables. Her roommate thought Americans only ate cheeseburgers, French fries and pizza.

"It's like living in a house with 60 people," Droster said. "Everyone is always saying 'hi.' They sincerely care about you."

Joyce said she has trouble picking a favorite memory of her Global Village experience.

"It's hard to do; it's like picking your favorite experience with your family," she said. "Because that's really what we are, as corny as it may sound, a family."