International freshmen Juan De Armas and Adrian Ferre studying in the library.
Photo Courtesy of Gyorgy Domonkos
By: Gyorgy Domonkos, BuzzStaff Writer
At St. Ambrose University, according to the International Student Services, the campus hosts 81 enrolled students for the 2026 spring semester. International student Gyorgy Domonkos asked fellow foreign students how they view America. They left their country to study in the U.S.; despite the current political situation, they say they are grateful to be here.
SAU’s Walter De Jongh, a senior in computer science from South Africa, says when you come from a third-world country, you appreciate things more. He also thinks it’s an easier entry into quality education here.
“When you come from a third world country, you tend to really appreciate things that Americans take for granted, like constant electricity, cheap water gas and easy entry into a quality education. I love living here. It is safer, technology is cheaper, and the US covers a vast geographical area, so there is something for everyone to enjoy climate-wise.”
Jayden Coetzer, a sophomore in Computer Science, also from South Africa, says that education here is better, but he doesn’t like the food.
“When I first got here, just all new and exciting, I met some of my closest friends here. I don’t like the food here at all. Studying here is a lot better in terms of education level. Living here is nice because I’m here with my friends most of the time, so it’s like your family almost.”
David Schneider, a senior in mechanical engineering from Germany, thinks that the two countries don’t differ much, except for public transportation.
“Honestly, it’s not that different from back home. Other than, well, we have public transportation and you know walkable neighborhoods. The only thing that I don’t like is having to ask people to drive me somewhere. I think just, like, from my point of view, the education system is very, very different with like, elementary, middle , and high school. We don’t have that.”
Cory Werrett, a junior in psychology from Zimbabwe, states that living in the U.S. is a great opportunity , and he is blessed to be here.
“It’s cool. There is like great opportunities. It’s fun to be here blessed to be here, actually coming from a poor country. It’s definitely a different experience compared to back home, but there is like ups and downs to it all. Obviously, with everything happening right now, but I would say I enjoy it quite a lot.”
Irene Artabe, a senior in industrial engineering from Spain, says she has more chances to grow here in her professional life.
“I like the US. I feel like it has a wide variety of people, it depends on the state, and I feel like, especially, it’s a place where you have many opportunities more than maybe in our home countries to like to grow and feel more of like a more of a professional life.”
After these interviews, it’s safe to say that these international students like their time in the United States and they say they are grateful for the opportunities they get.
