An initiative of the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education, International Education Week is an annual celebration of the global exchange of ideas that occur in schools and on campuses across the country and abroad. Case Western Reserve University engages in these ideas by offering study abroad programs, hosting international students and forming partnerships with global institutions. In honor of these efforts, the Center of International Affairs will host wide-ranging programming and highlight international and study abroad student experiences in The Daily. Stay tuned throughout the week to learn more.
Aneesha Avasthi is a third-year PhD student working in astroparticle physics. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics in India from the University of Delhi and the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, respectively. Her research involves using giant underground gas-filled chambers to look for hints of dark matter particles. She is part of the International Student Advisory Council and has served on the Graduate Council of Arts and Sciences’ executive board since 2021.
Avasthi shared her experiences as an international student.
“Namaste! I couldn’t be happier to choose CWRU for my studies. Apart from the academics, I am grateful for the welcoming community we are fortunate to have here that ensures international students feel valued. My father recommended I apply for CWRU for my doctoral studies. He completed his post-doctoral training here and has always carried Cleveland close to his heart. I joined CWRU in the fall of 2020. I was amazed by the extent to which the community members were willing to help me despite the restrictions placed by the pandemic. The assistance from strangers touched me to my core, and I resolved to leverage my experiences to help other students.
“It has been a gratifying experience working for and alongside students committed to improving the lives of the Case Western [Reserve] community. I have thoroughly enjoyed my work and our discussions, focusing on increasing support for students coming from diverse backgrounds into the community and making everyone feel included. We recognize that international students come from diverse backgrounds, and adjusting to living here can be difficult. Being an international student who moved to CWRU in the middle of the pandemic, I know firsthand how incredibly arduous it can be to build community when we are overwhelmed by the shock of being utterly unaccustomed to settings. One thing that my experience with working in motivated groups is that everyone wants to feel included, and it is only through active engagement that we can build community. I hope to see more students learn about what we do and engage in the events we organize for their benefit.”