SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. (WDVM) – Shepherd University is a quiet and secluded place for many people to get college education. It seems that the school’s international studies program is a gateway to the world opening up new perspectives and opportunities.

Dr Lois Jarman directs international studies at Shepherd. As far as she is concerned, to discover other cultures, you have to experience them first-hand.

“It’s about how we are the same and not how we are different,” Jarman said. “And so I believe this is accomplished through mentorship.”

Shepherd’s Dean of Admissions for International Programs, Siriki Diabate, works with the harvest of international students here on campus.

Diabate said, “Determination, courage and persistence are very important to students.”

For some students, the simple fact of being in a school and having this experience in the classroom is a privilege.

Cleeford Sylae from Haiti said that any chance for someone to go to school in Haiti, take full advantage.

Yousf Bakayko, Ivory Coast, said: “It helped me to become a leader, a good student, to find out more.”

Regardless of their field of study, the first challenge is to master the English language.

Avenie Say, from Ivory Coast, said: “In order to be able to overcome the barrier of language, communication.

Dr Jarman says more mentoring experiences are in the works and Shepherd University is expanding its student participation in international studies beyond Haiti and Côte d’Ivoire.