More than 7,000 new Huskies have arrived on Michigan Technological University’s campus as the fall semester begins, bringing with them a wave of international students eager to start their academic journey.
Christian Montesinos, the university’s International Programs and Services Director, said the local community has made a significant impression on the newcomers.
“I’ve heard the Houghton community, the Keweenaw community are so incredibly nice and I love hearing that because I never want a student to feel out of place being in such a different place from their home country,” Montesinos said. “And so they’re so incredibly happy.”
One tradition that resonates deeply with international students is the display of flags throughout town each August and September. Montesinos said students gather by their country’s flag to take photos and share them with families back home.
“They are so taken aback that we are very intentional about representing them in that way,” Montesinos said. “And they feel a part of it. They feel immediately and instantly a part of it and respected and seen and heard.”
Michigan Tech is expanding its Festival of Nations, a more than 40-year tradition, to the Houghton Waterfront Pier on Saturday. The event will feature more than eight food options prepared by international student organizations, along with dance and musical performances from student groups and local performers from the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. Another addition to the festival includes bounce houses for kids, local vendors joining the student groups. The festival will open doors at the Dee Stadium at noon, the event runs until 4pm.
For more information about the Festival of Nations, visit Michigan Technological University’s website.
