Experiences of Honors Program International Students at NIU By Minoo Yar Hongtao Huang and Xinyi Ye are international junior students from Capital Normal University (CNU) in Beijing, China. They both major in geography with Hongtao minoring in computer science and statistics while Xinyi minors only in computer science. In addition to being a part of the Honors Program, both students are also part of a 1+2+1 program in which, once completed, they will earn two bachelor’s degrees. One degree will be earned from NIU this year and the other will be earned in CNU in their senior year. During their time at NIU, Hongtao and Xinyi have achieved high academic excellence. Both students have demonstrated incredible perseverance in their pursuit of their education, all while immersing themselves in the English language and American culture. Xinyi’s accomplishments include winning first place in a speech competition at CNU and she was listed on the dean’s list for three semesters straight from fall 2020 to fall 2021 since she transitioned to NIU. The proudest moments that Xinyi experienced in her years at NIU, however, occurred when she saw her academic success despite her prior feelings of uncertainty. When receiving a high score on a quiz or an assignment, to Xinyi, it meant that all her effort had paid off. Her academic status as an Honors student is proof of her willingness and determination to give her best effort in learning, which in turn has immensely improved her English. She knows her current efforts and achievements can help her improve her academics and prepare for graduate studies. Some aspects that Xinyi likes about the Honors Program are the Honors courses and Honors Engaged activities which she believes helped her to become more involved in NIU’s community. “I like Honors Engaged events because I’m not a very outgoing person,” she said. “So, sometimes [there are] activities in the university I am interested in, but I do not feel encouraged to join them.” Therefore, Xinyi said she likes how the Honors Engaged point system encourages or motivates students to become more involved on campus to take opportunities for new experiences. Hongtao also made the dean’s list. Hongtao’s proudest moments included being able to hold a conversation with a stranger, completing independent projects and giving presentations to colleagues in English. Before, Hongtao did not believe he could accomplish these feats by himself, but since his English improved so much during his stay at NIU, he overcame those difficulties and therefore felt very proud of himself. Hongtao learned how to manage his time to balance his extracurricular and academic
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International student Xinyi Ye, geography major, in front of the music building at NIU.
