2017 YIR issuu

12
STUDENT SUCCESS
KAUST Gifted Student Program
As a continuation of a four-year partnership with the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology’s Gifted
Student Program (KGSP), the GTI administers a program that focuses on the academic and general success of
undergraduate KGSP students. The program centralizes the communication and resources for KGSP students
and provides various cultural, social, and career development programming throughout the academic year. GTI
Program Coordinator Tim Rose works closely with partners at KAUST and the Institute of International Education
(IIE) to make the program a success.
“We help students in this highly competitive scholarship program navigate the cultural and academic challenges
at a U.S. university and provide an additional layer of support,” Rose said.
Albara’a Kamal
Junior, Chemical Engineering
Q: Why did you choose to attend NC State University?
I came as part of the Foundation Year program, and because of that, I got to improve my English, prepare for
the stress that would be coming, and build connections with people. School is very different here than in Saudi
Arabia. I had the option of going to the University of Maryland for my undergraduate degree, but staying at NC
State was the best choice I could have made. When I came back to Raleigh before the summer of my freshman
year, I felt like I was back home.
Q: How has the student success program helped you?
I think this was a really great step to take because when you meet with an adviser one-on-one in his office, you
get to talk a lot more than checking in via email. I usually just meet with Mr. Tim once a month, and while we are
scheduled for just half an hour, we usually talk for an hour or more. He is knowledgeable about resources on
campus, so if I ask about anything, he can direct me to the right place.
Q: What are the highlights of your time here at NC State?
It’s definitely the Anime Club. I met with those students the
most during my time here, and I even met up with some of
them while I was in Japan. I got the chance to do research at
Nagoya University one summer thanks to connections made
through the GTI. I was doing research all day, sometimes until
midnight. But, it was fun because I was interacting with people.
I was also traveling to a new place every weekend. It was tough
sometimes, but I was accustomed to handling culture shock.