Home Away from Home

Among all the remarkable programs Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) has to offer, the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) is one that every student should be knowledgeable about.  TAMIU is one of the many universities worldwide that offers this program to their students, allowing them to study outside of the country and learn in a completely new environment. It is also the home of numerous exchange students that have chosen TAMIU to help them achieve their desired careers.

Danny Parchao is an exchange student from Switzerland who is in his first semester at TAMIU. He is double majoring in History and English with the hopes of going back to his native land and becoming an English professor. Moving to the US has had a tremendous impact on Danny’s life. He has had to adapt to a whole new culture, to different food, and to a new school system. But he is slowly learning and he is grateful for all the new things he is experiencing.

One of the things Danny misses most about home is the weather. He is not used to such a dry and hot climate, since in Switzerland they have up to 8 months of snow. But he is hopeful that with time he’ll grow accustomed to Laredo weather. He is still having a hard time adjusting to the new food he is receiving, but he is slowly adjusting. A major difference he is still getting used to is the use of public transportation. “If you don’t have a car, it is hard to get around. I’ve been using the bus to get around, and everything is so far! Back in my hometown, everything is close. It would only take me 10 minutes to get to my university.”

Something that Danny has really enjoyed since his stay here in TAMIU, is the opportunity to interact with people from all over the world. ISEP often holds events for all the exchange students, allowing them to participate in all sorts of activities. They have taken the students to the mall, to local convenient stores, and even to Laredo’s downtown. They will soon be traveling to San Antonio to visit Six Flags. ISEP students have formed a tight bond, and together they are excited to continue learning about everything TAMIU and Laredo have to offer.

When asked about his classes and professors, Danny is confident that he is doing well but he says that the schooling system is very different from the one back at his university. “The classes are way easier here, but some things are different. Like I don’t like the multiple choice quizzes and tests because I am used to only having to write essays.” It’s been a surprise to him how much homework and assignments he’s been receiving, “In Switzerland, we only have one final exam at the end of each semester. We don’t have assignments or anything like that. We only have readings for each class.” Danny is taking 5 classes this semester, and he is still amazed that one of his classes ends at 8 at night, “I am not used to classes being so late!”

In his free time, Danny likes to play his guitar and hang out with the other exchange students. He is looking forward to his trip to San Antonio and to someday visiting the movie theatre. ISEP provides cultural lessons for the exchange students. The exchange students are able to attend these lessons and learn all about different cultures. “The next culture we are studying is French, so my friends will be able to learn about my native tongue.”

Danny Parchao has been exposed to a whole new environment here in TAMIU, but he is grateful for everything that he has learned and his is hopeful for everything that he will soon experience. When asked what he would say to students who were interested in study abroad Danny advised: “Just try it. Travel! You can get to some wonderful universities, and see beautiful places from all around the world.” So with that said, we should all give some thought about traveling abroad!

For any further questions about study abroad or exchange programs, you can contact the Student Affairs office at (956) 326-2280 or (956) 326-2281 or email them at studentaffairs@tamiu.edu