Adaeze Eze and Batool Al-Smadi (Photos by Mary Wee)
By Mary Wee
In fall 2022, the UW MBA program welcomed more international students than ever before. Of the 34 students, seven are international students, compared to two last year.
The MBA program removed barriers for international applicants and offers continual support and resources for accepted students. Regardless, international students still face hurdles as they arrive in Laramie and adjust to a new place and culture. Two international students, Adaeze Eze of Nigeria and Batool Al-Smadi of Jordan, sat down to share their thoughts.
“It affected some laws with the U.S. Embassy,” Eze reflected, as she faced delays in her arrival due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “They had to keep moving and rescheduling visa appointments.”
While waiting, Eze took MBA courses online. Throughout her experience, she felt the support of MBA staff, including MBA Program Director Ben Cook, who supervises her research assistantship. Without the support of program administration and other resources, the transition would be more difficult.
For Al-Smadi, the hurdles involve studying at a master’s level in a second language while raising two kids and working. She has overcome these barriers not only by working hard but also by taking care of her mental health. The MBA staff members supported her by sharing their own struggles and how they prioritize their mental health.
While working through these hurdles, both Eze and Al-Smadi joined their MBA colleagues in Jackson, Wyo., for the annual Bill Newton Jackson Leadership Summit. At the summit, MBA students gather with executives from around Wyoming. Students network with and learn firsthand from professionals in diverse fields.
“The summit was a rich experience to meet the experts and exchange ideas with them. It’s a big thing and, from my point of view, an enriching experience,” Al-Smadi says.
The summit also enabled Eze and Al-Smadi to form closer bonds with their classmates and form friendships that will add to their support network.
As they continue to overcome hurdles, both women will bring hard work and grit as alumni, no matter where their journey leads.