Welcome to the University of Rochester’s Office for Global Engagement’s Q&A series, known as ‘UR Global.’ This initiative is all about connecting with future international students, scholars, and researchers. We’re here to shed light on the University’s leaders and change-makers who are instrumental in creating a vibrant and inclusive community, both here in Rochester and across the globe.
This week, we sat down with Nate Bloemke, the Assistant Director for Support and Engagement at the International Services Office (ISO). Nate gave us the inside scoop on the cultural activities his team is collaborating on with the University community, how to stay updated through the ISO newsletter, and how to access event information on ISO’s Eventbrite page.
Q: Nate, tell us about your preparations for the Lunar New Year and the exciting kickoff event on February 9th at the University of Rochester. Why are these activities so important?
Nate: Absolutely! In the past, Lunar New Year celebrations were often scattered among different student organizations, each hosting their own events. What makes this year unique is that we’ve rallied more of the entire University to celebrate together. We’ve created a webpage on the Office for Global Engagement’s website that lists all the events in one accessible place. Plus, we’re kicking things off with a grand event that brings together students and organizations from all schools under one roof. It’s all about fostering a sense of unity and celebrating our diverse cultures as part of the University community.
Q: ISO also plans activities that will expose international students to local Rochester traditions. Can you tell us more about that?
Nate: We’re not just about celebrating international cultures; we’re also looking to infuse some of Rochester’s unique traditions into our international community. By incorporating local customs into our regular festivities, we aim to create a sense of belonging and shared experiences that bring our students closer to Rochester and each other.
Q: So, in essence, you’re not only introducing the international students and their traditions to Rochester but also adding a touch of Rochester to their experiences?
Nate: Exactly! It’s about forging a stronger connection between our international students and the broader Rochester community. These events bridge cultures and allow us all to celebrate together.
Q: Nate, you mentioned working closely with colleagues across the University for Lunar New Year. Can you share more about your collaborations and preparations?
Nate: For the Lunar New Year celebrations, we’ve been collaborating with various University departments and offices, especially the Burgett Intercultural Center, Wilson Commons Student Activities, and the Warner School of Education, along with other schools and offices. Alongside these partnerships, student organizations like the Chinese Student Association, Vietnamese Student Association, and Korean Student Union have been actively involved. We’re aiming for a diverse and inclusive celebration that truly represents our university’s international community.
Q: What are some of the challenges ISO faces when organizing international celebrations involving multiple communities and Schools?
Nate: One of the initial challenges was getting everyone on board. It started with a few dedicated individuals, namely Ping Fu, Nick Morales, Hanan Allen, and Louise Ly, but as we grew, more people joined us from across the University. Throughout the process, we’ve also discovered more student organizations to invite, such as the Singaporean Student Association and the Taiwanese Student Association. Our goal is to keep expanding and fostering a sense of unity.
Q: How do you think student engagement can be further improved across the University?
Nate: While each school has its own international student engagement events, we believe in creating a unifying force that connects international students from all schools and backgrounds. We want everyone to feel part of one Rochester community which transcends school boundaries and nationalities.
Q: ISO provides student advising services and immigration advising, but ISO colleagues also spend a great deal of time in creating a welcoming environment. Why is that?
Nate: This is crucial because we want international students to feel at home from day one. We want them to express themselves, celebrate their cultures, and build a strong community during their time here. It’s not just about acceptance; it’s about genuine celebration and active participation.
Q: ISO has a newsletter for international students, faculty, and staff. How can people subscribe, and why is this newsletter important?
Nate: Our newsletter originally only targeted international students, but we’re expanding it to include all international community members. To subscribe, just reach out to ISO via email (isonews@ISO.ROCHESTER.EDU). The newsletter, designed by my colleague Anastasia Tahou, keeps everyone informed about our activities, events, workshops, and much more.
Q: For those interested in attending ISO events this year, how can they join in?
Nate: ISO has an Eventbrite for event registration. Simply follow our Eventbrite page to receive event notifications via email. Our events tend to fill up quickly, so keeping an eye on those notifications is key.
Q: What about your website?
Nate: Our website is currently under construction, and we’re in the process of a complete redesign of our events page. Once it’s updated, it will provide a more interactive and user-friendly experience. Until then, we’re sharing event information through the Office for Global Engagement’s webpage, our ISO Instagram page (@iso_uofr), and flyers around campus.
Q: Nate, you’re an educator yourself and pursuing your PhD in Higher Education Administration. Can you share a bit more about your background and how you became involved in international student support and engagement?
Nate: My passion for welcoming international students began early. Even during my undergraduate years, I was involved in a student club that welcomed exchange students. That experience was the beginning! I continued my international student engagement activities at the University of Florida, where I spent over 10 years planning events for international students in the English Language Institute. My experience eventually translated into a full-time position dedicated to student engagement. I’ve always loved travel and the idea of exploring new places. I had such an amazing experience when I studied abroad as an undergraduate student, and I wanted to create similar experiences for new international students arriving in the United States.
Q: When did you start at ISO?
Nate: I joined ISO in 2022, so it’s been about a year and a half now. I work closely with Wendy Fritz, Anastasia Tahou, and a fantastic group of other colleagues and student workers to discuss and plan activities which will support and engage with international students.
Q: Meliora, “ever better,” is the University’s motto. How do you think Rochester can keep getting ever better?
Nate: One area we can improve is by breaking down the bubbles that tend to form among international students when they arrive at the University. Often, they quickly group up with others who share the same nationality or major. We want to encourage them to step out of their comfort zones and engage with students from different backgrounds and cultures.
Q: What else does ISO have in store for international students this year?
Nate: We’re planning outings to places like Niagara Falls, Letchworth State Park, The Strong Museum, and other exciting spots around New York State. These trips offer students a chance to create lasting memories and explore places they might not have had the opportunity to visit otherwise. As a balance to their coursework, we want their time in Rochester to also be filled with fun and unforgettable experiences.
Thank you so much, Nate, for sharing these insights and giving us a glimpse into the great work the ISO team is doing to enrich the lives of international students at the University of Rochester.