During the first week of September the newest cohort of Bloustein School international students were welcomed at a networking event. Current international graduate students and recent alumni shared their experiences, offering valuable advice about navigating life and academics in a new country. They highlighted both the challenges and the triumphs of adapting to graduate school, while also providing reassurance and encouragement to incoming students embarking on their own journeys. We are especially proud to welcome students from diverse backgrounds and countries, whose perspectives enrich our classrooms, research, and community.
We are grateful to the alumni who returned to give their time and insight to help new students feel supported and connected as they start their Bloustein experience. Their guidance serves as a bridge for international students learning to navigate both academic expectations and cultural adjustments.
This event was made possible with the dedicated efforts of the Student Services staff, whose support in areas such as visa navigation, housing, and campus resources ensures that international students can transition smoothly and feel at home in our community.

Pictured left to right: Courtney Culler, Associate Director for Graduate Student Services, Andrea Garrido, Assistant Director of Career Management, Prateeksha Sehgal (MCRP ’23), Rimshah Jawad (MPI ’26), Ivania Martinez (MPI ’26), Ghazi Ahmed (MPP ’26), and Cheryl Egan, Assistant Director for Career Management.
