Minot State University
04/23/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/23/2024 09:50
Finding home
By Emma Cornejo
University Communications Student Assistant
MINOT, N.D. - Minot State University offers a unique opportunity for all potential incoming students to attend college without having to take on the amount of student loan debt that is commonly expected.
MSU offers all students in-state tuition, which at other schools can nearly double the cost of earning a degree. This unique program allows many, including students from all over the world, to follow their passion and earn degrees at Minot State.
The University Communication Department interviewed multiple students from around the globe to ask them about their experience at MSU. The following students have come to Minot State from multiple countries but found a home away from home in the Magic City.
Jake Anthony, Canada
Jake Anthony is a hockey player from Canada. He lived in Grande Prairie, Alberta, before moving to Minot to start his college hockey career. He is majoring in entrepreneurship and business management and will graduate next year.
"Minot gave me the opportunity to continue playing hockey while attending school all while being affordable and not having to dive deep into student loans," said Anthony.
"One of my favorite things about MSU is how tight-knit the school is," he added. "Because of the small class sizes, I have made friends from everywhere. I started school 'late,' and having those extra years under my belt has helped me have a good professional and social relationship with many professors, too."
Liela Koguchi, Japan
Leila Koguchi is a graduating senior this semester. She is from over 5,500 miles away priorly living in Tokyo, Japan. However, here in Minot, she is a management information system major.
She chose to come here for many reasons, but at the end of the day, affordability was the deciding factor.
"I chose to come to Minot State because it offers in-state tuition to International students," said Koguchi.
Koguchi admires the community that is around Minot and the scope of possibilities that it gives her.
"There are a lot of different cultures and people from different countries, along with the variety of programs creates a small community which I really like," Koguchi said.
Xhuljano Shehaj, Albania
Xhuljano Shehaj is a first-year student from Albania, a neighbor of Greece. He came to MSU to pursue a degree in computer science and explore the opportunities here.
"My degree requires a rigorous program that includes relevant coursework, real-world work experience, and job market readiness, all of which Minot State University is offering," said Shehaj.
The affordability and possibilities brought Shehaj here. Being able to pursue higher education in a place that interested him was especially important, along with what he has grown to love in his past seven months here.
"I chose to come here for the community this campus has, the degree, and the work required to get it," he said. "And cheaper tuition relative to the other state universities around the US all contributed to my decision to come here. Also, I like the cold as well!"
Minot State University checked all the boxes that Shehaj was looking for during his college search, making it the perfect opportunity for him to start his undergraduate studies at the start of last semester.
Alexa Muñoz Sakar, Mexico
Alexa Muñoz Sakar is a junior who will graduate next year with a double major in marketing and management and a minor in fitness and wellness specialist. She comes from Mexico City, looking for an opportunity in America to be a part of an entirely new community, and has found herself involved in numerous extracurriculars.
Coming to Minot, she was searching for a smaller town atmosphere that would offer her an easier pathway and allow her to grow her English-speaking skills. Since being here, she has been able to find many things that she appreciates and the parts of MSU that make it so great.
"Since Minot State is a smaller university, there are many ways to stand out, to meet many people, and be part of different social groups. I love being able to meet so many people with different personalities," said Muñoz Sakar.
She is a member of MSU's cheer team, the president of the international club, a future RHD (residence hall director) of McCulloch Hall, and a member of MSU Life.
"MSU has given me the opportunity to get to know myself and others, and I stand out in the groups to which I belong. Minot State has also given me the opportunity and support to get contacts from companies to do internships" she said.
Mario Esposito, Italy
Coming all the way from Italy as a transfer student is Mario Esposito - an exercise science major. In Italy, he was an MMA fighter and wrestler, which set him up for an offer to come to Minot State University to finish his degree and continue his sport.
"I came here for the wrestling team and because for my first experience in the USA, a small city like Minot was the right fit for me," Esposito said.
He has found that the experience he gains here as a person, student, and athlete has been incredibly enriching. He gets the ability to wrestle with MSU and learn the culture in one place.
"The opportunity that Minot State gave me was to wrestle with one of the best teams in the nation. As well as learn more about the overall United States culture and live an entirely new experience," said Esposito
At Minot State University, students find more than just affordable tuition; they discover countless opportunities. In choosing Minot State, these students have found a quality education, personal and professional connections, and valuable program experiences that prepare them all for their futures.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 04/23/24