October 3, 2011—Amanda Knox was found not guilty of killing her British roommate Meredith Kercher. Just two years ago, Knox was convicted of murder along with Raffele Sollecito, facing 25 years in prison.
Italian prosecutors ask an appeals court to overturn the conviction because they were not pleased with the sentence. They felt that life in prison was more suitable for Knox.
Knox was an exchange student, moving to Italy to study abroad for one year. She had to adapt to the new language and environment. International students on the University of Bridgeport campus can understand her struggles of moving away to a new country and having to adapt to a new culture very fast.
UB is internationally diverse and committed to educating students from around the world and throughout the United States. The US News and World Report America’s Best Colleges ranked it eighth among national universities for diversity in 2006. UB includes students from 36 states and 87 countries and educates students from a broad range of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
The university prides itself on being an “experience in globalization,” where students and faculty learn about and respect each other’s cultures and regard everyone as individuals.
Srujana Sripathhi came straight from India to UB. Before coming, she was a little nervous, but made sure she knew English language. Leaving her big family and friends, she came to UB to choose a job and then immediately return to her country.
“It is very hard, not seeing my family everyday, but I know that by coming to America, I will be able to provide a better life for them. The culture barrier is very hard to get use to, but I keep to myself most of the time,” Sripathhi said.
UB security guards explained that if international students were ever frighten, that the school provides a P.A.L for each student on campus. The security office is open 24 hours, and security is on foot, riding a bicycle and driving around on campus.
The university has its own international program, where students gain access to academic, co- curricular, and extracurricular activities that truly make them citizens of the world. It presents such a valuable global perspective that helps with the ever-changing professional environment.
“No student can feel like they are not comfortable on UB campus, because this school does go out their way of trying to make this feel like home,” said Junior Thi Chi.