Representing roughly 35 countries from around the world, international students are a vital part of Union’s campus. To better support their transition to college life, Union has opened a new International Student Services office. Seniors Yaniv Zion, from Israel, and Carlos Sainz Barroso, from Spain, serve as liaisons, providing new international students with needed support and guidance.

“Barbourville is really different from how we used to live outside the United States,” recalls Yaniv.

He explains that in addition to all the adjustments any new college student must make, international students also need help filling out important documents, applying for their green cards, and finding transportation to critical locations like the social security office and the airport. Even learning where to buy vegetables can be a hurdle.

Carlos notes that little things like not knowing that “R” stands for Thursday can really add up and make things more challenging than needed. For him, this meant missing a class on his first day.

Since that first day, Carlos has gone on to be elected president of the Student Government Association two years in a row. He also plays soccer, serves as a Justice Leader, and is majoring in chemistry.

Yaniv currently works as a tutor and Spiritual Life Leader. He is majoring in psychology, has been part of Union’s theater crew, and also plays soccer.

Now, Yaniv and Carlos want to share all they have learned about being successful Bulldogs to help new students arriving from outside the U.S.

Carlos says he encourages new students to get involved on campus and ask questions in class.

“Union is a small school,” he says. “If the teachers know you, they will help you. It’s really positive to keep those connections.”

Yaniv adds, “We just want to make sure new students are not feeling alone at Union.”

Union is committed to serving the academic needs of a diverse community of students in a dynamic, personal environment. As International Student Liaisons, Yaniv and Carlos meet bi-weekly with new international students, coordinate with college administration to meet their unique needs, and assist with resource referrals. They also maintain regular hours in the new International Student Services office, which is located on the first floor of Speed Hall, next to Financial Aid.