Wyoming International: Meet Manuela Hofer-McIntyre

 

Manuela Hofer-McIntyre, managing director of Wyoming International at the University of Wyoming, supports international students who choose to study at the University of WY. Learn about the University of Wyoming's welcoming campus community, popular majors, and support for international students.

 

Meet Manuela, managing director at Wyoming International. Wyoming International is a collaboration between the University of Wyoming and Shorelight to boost international student enrollment in the university through extended support, admissions services, and career opportunities.

Manuela is no stranger to Wyoming or to the international scene. Born and raised in a rural town in Austria’s southeastern region, Manuela decided to pursue research for her graduate school program in the US.

MHM: “I went to the University of West Florida, so that’s when I really started getting a glimpse of how amazing it is to have that international experience. [International education] not only opens many doors, but we learn so much about our strengths and weaknesses and competences – everything that makes us up as a person.”

In the United States, Manuela discovered her professional passion: enriching the lives of international students and encouraging inclusivity at the University of WY. 

At Wyoming International, Manuela plays a key role in shaping the international student experience at the University of Wyoming. With an extensive background in international education and a personal commitment to promoting a diverse and inclusive campus environment, Manuela is uniquely qualified to welcome and support students from around the world.

MHM: “After my degrees, I worked in different professional areas, [then] moved to Wyoming in 2005. This was a place that was really not on my radar when I was a young person ... and I totally fell in love with it.”

 

Manuela’s Experience at Wyoming International

Having previously worked at UW with our education abroad programs, Manuela stepped into her new role Wyoming International with confidence. Her experience with students and her own time spent studying abroad has helped her understand the different needs of international students and how to make them feel at home in Wyoming.

Although it’s a recent addition to the university's offerings, Wyoming International has quickly become an integral part of campus, on both the community and academic sides. Of UW’s annual enrollment of roughly12,000 students, 5% are international, hailing from 82 different countries. And those international students are very active around campus.

MHM: “One of the things I really appreciate, and I think the students appreciate, is we have a lot of student clubs.”

Of our hundreds of student clubs, many are internationally focused, including: the International Student Association, Central Asian Student Association, Bangladesh Students’ Association, Japanese Conversation Club, Friends of Nepal at UW, Indian Students’ Organization, Spirit of Africa Drum Corps, Persian Students Association, and many many more. Students use them to connect with peers from their home countries and to explore different cultures and interests.

When it comes to academics, UW’s most popular majors among international students include computer science, engineering, management, economics, the arts, environment and natural resources, and agriculture.

Manuela really appreciates that UW’s focus on hands-on learning is a big part of the academic experience, with many opportunities for students to collaborate in teams, conduct research outside the classroom, or pursue a campus job or internship. She also values the university’s 1:14 faculty-to-student ratio. With smaller class sizes, she likes that all students, especially international ones, can benefit from focused learning experiences and build strong relationships with their professors. Not to mention how international our faculty are, as well.

MHM: “It's not only the student population, but also the staff and faculty population that’s quite diverse here on campus.”

 

Manuela’s Thoughts on Internationalization on Campus

Manuela often emphasizes UW’s dedication to supporting international students through our International Students & Scholars (ISS) office, as well as the support they give to Wyoming International. From assisting with travel plans to ensuring a smooth transition to life in Laramie, ISS provides support from when students apply all the way through graduation.

MHM: “And of course during orientation, we take students and show them where to shop, we do campus tours, we introduce them to the library, to our mental health programs if needed. We show them where the bookstore is, and all the other places that help them navigate life in a new cultural environment. We make sure they can find their classes once they register, and also introduce them to the community itself."

For international students who are considering whether to study abroad (and for students trying to get their friends to join in them in their travels), Manuela recommends making the leap and getting out of one’s comfort zone. She of course recommends UW as the perfect place to do that, noting that they’ll discover a world where they are never alone and can always find support.

MHM: “Pick [a program] where you can get a great education…where you have a lot of one-on-one time with your faculty…Look for a place where you can walk away with a degree that will be life-changing and the cornerstone for a great professional career.”

Manuela's journey to Wyoming International is proof that an international education can lead to a fulfilling and successful career. We are thrilled to have her back and encourage you to drop by her office here at WyoGlobal to say hello.

 

(Article has been edited and reformatted for WyoGlobal Voices. The original article was published on the Shorelight Stories blog as Faces on Campus: Meet Manuela at Wyoming International.