Join the Club: Georgia Tech International Ambassadors

Being a new student is hard for anyone, but being a new international student is an even more unfamiliar experience. One group on campus aims to ease the transition for Tech’s international student population.

Founded by the Office of Undergraduate Admission in December 2012, the goals of the Georgia Tech International Ambassadors (GTIA) are to promote an accurate and holistic view of the Institute around the world, encourage talented and qualified individuals to apply, and encourage admitted students to enroll. GTIA is now advised by the Office of International Education (OIE) and in partnership with them promote cultural diversity on campus. 

“Our organization supports a great community of people who are extremely diverse,” said Sudeep Agarwal, director of external affairs for GTIA and a second-year computer science major from Singapore.               

Most international students leave their native country to attend one of the last two FASET orientations and stay until classes begin. This does not allow much time to adjust to campus life and culture.

As an international student, Agarwal understands first-hand the challenges that international students face. “When I first came to the International Student Check-in at FASET, GTIA had a booth to promote their organization,” he said. “The group representatives were extremely helpful and answered any questions that I had.”

Besides tabling at the International Student Check-in, GTIA leads webinars, information sessions, campus tours, and other outreach events to encourage international students to apply and attend Tech. Their website provides answers to questions that many students may have about Tech and the application process.

After recruitment, GTIA continues to assist international and local students alike. The organization has weekly meetings on Thursday nights where members gather to plan events and promote international culture.

“I always look forward to Thursday nights,” said Agarwal. “A lot of work goes into planning GTIA events, so I’ve gotten to know the other members well. I enjoy the tight-knit community that GTIA creates.”

Within the organization, there are multiple committees including external and internal affairs, outreach, talent management, marketing, and finance. This gives members an opportunity to find a project that interests them.

Anyone can apply to become a member of GTIA, even students who are not international. Applications for membership will open again in the spring and any Tech undergraduate student is encouraged to apply.

GTIA’s upcoming event, the Night Market, will feature a diverse group of vendors, performances, food, and drink. Cultures from the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, South Asia, South America, the Middle East, and Europe will be represented.

“Night markets are sensory experiences with brilliant displays of life, color, and energy,” Agarwal said.

Generally held in Asian countries, this is the first night market held at Tech. Students should attend to familiarize themselves with new cultures while enjoying great food, music, and activities. There will also be opportunities to win prizes from cultural organizations across campus.

The event will take place Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 6:30 p.m. at the Kessler Campanile. Tickets for food are sold out, but students are encouraged to attend the performances, street art, and activities for free.

For more information about GTIA, visit their Facebook page.