Hear from our Alumni

Undergraduate International Student Alumni

Ngoc Nguyen '21 | Vietnam

My name is Ngoc Nguyen. I am an accounting major in the class of 2021. I am an international student from Vietnam. To me, The University of Scranton is like home. People here are extremely friendly and I know I have a myriad of opportunities to learn and prepare myself to thrive every single day.

Erica Jeanne Mascardo '23 | Philippines

My name is Erica Jeanne Mascardo, Biology major Class of 2023. I am an international student from the Philippines who also grew up in Palau, one of many beautiful islands of Micronesia. The University of Scranton takes great care of students like family. I am immensely proud to be a student here, and I show my gratitude through hard work and involvement in the International Students Club where I wish to share my love of Scranton.

Graduate International Student Alumni

Michelle Rovaris '20 | Italy

I am a graduate international student from Italy. I majored in Exercise Science, and I am in the DPT program for physical therapy. I was an exchange student for a year during high school in Maine, and that is when I started to think about coming to the United States for college.

While I was looking for a good school that could best prepare me for my future career, I heard about Scranton. I came here to visit the school before committing to college and I found a very welcoming place with really good academics. I was sure that Scranton was where I wanted to go, and I will never regret the choice I made. Scranton is like my second home and I am so happy to be here.

Susan Pepple '20 | Nigeria

My name is Susan Pepple. I am from Nigeria. I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Health Administration. I enjoy traveling and watching movies. I love Scranton because of the conducive learning environment.

Hussain Alshakhori '21 | Saudi Arabia

I am a senior international student from Saudi Arabia. My major is electrical engineering, and I am working on a greenhouse robotic project for the graduation year. I came to the University of Scranton as a transfer student from Canada where I have experienced living and studying abroad for the first time.

I really like the good relationships that I have been able to build with my professors here. This is a testament to the great faculty and professors here in Scranton. For example, the small size of classrooms here in the University of Scranton make it easier to communicate with the professors and for them to get to know you. I used to attend lectures in a huge hall with more than a hundred students and I realized the advantages of having small classes. I love being a student at the University of Scranton. It has become another home because where I love is where I live.

Vatsal Shah '21 | India

My name is Vatsal Shah. I am pursuing my MBA in Business Analytics in the class of 2021. I am an International student from India. The University of Scranton has an open and friendly culture with a diverse community providing ample of opportunities. I am a very sociable person and like to interact with new people. I also cherish visiting the parks and walking trails in Scranton allowing me to feel the serenity of nature.

Zaid Iskandarani '22 | Jordan

My name is Zaid Iskandarani. I am an international graduate student from Jordan. I am pursuing Masters in Business Administration at The University of Scranton.

I spend a lot of time at the University. I help students with Arabic because it is my mother language, and I am involved with some clubs in the university such as the International Student Club, Business Club, and the Gym Club. I really love sports, so basically, I am involved with sports like volleyball and kickball. I like the opportunities, equipment, and facilities that the University provides to develop myself daily. I really like that there is a Chick-fil-A and Starbucks at the university as well. The students are also friendly and helpful.

Shayan Tanveer '23 | Pakistan

I was born and raised in Pakistan and moved to pursue my Masters at the University of Scranton back in 2021. I recently graduated with an MBA specializing in finance and business analytics. Throughout my journey at the university, I found it to be a welcoming and enriching environment for international students like me.

One aspect that truly stood out was the dedication of the professors to providing high-quality education. They were not only knowledgeable but also made themselves readily available to offer support and guidance after class. This level of commitment significantly enhanced my learning experience and helped me excel in my studies.

While pursuing my degree I also worked as a graduate assistant. This gave me a great deal of experience in research, providing undergraduate students with guidance, and managing class curriculums. Looking back on my time at the University of Scranton, I am filled with gratitude and fond memories. Each moment spent on campus has left a lasting impact on me. I will undoubtedly miss the vibrant community, the supportive faculty, and the company of students.

Daphne Mary Philip '23 | India

I decided to pursue my Masters at The University of Scranton because I wanted to be a part of a learning community that reflected the Jesuit values. I loved attending the Sunday masses on campus and often connected with Campus Ministry for spiritual growth. Even though I had come in during the peak of the pandemic when almost everything was virtual, I was still supported by the International Office and everyone else in the University, which made me feel at home.

While at Scranton, I took on the role of a Graduate Teaching Assistant and the Director of International and Cultural Relations in the Health Administration Department. My professors were very supportive and believed in me, which I deeply acknowledge. I also had the opportunity to participate in the Seton Hall University Case Competition and present a paper at the MBAA International Conference in Chicago.

My favorite place to hang out was the tree house at Nay Aug Park, and I loved hiking during the Fall at the Top of the World in Dunmore! Being ‘The Office’ fan, I would find myself sometimes leisurely waking around Downton and soaking in all of the quietness of a small, beautiful town. Scranton will always have a special place in my heart!

Shaaf Sarwar '23 | Lahore, Pakistan

Major: Physics and Mathematical Sciences

What I like about Scranton: I loved the people I got to meet in Scranton. I have had great friendships through my four years at the University which I hope to keep in the years to come.

What I did in Scranton: I was involved in Residence Life as Resident Assistant for three years. I got to learn great skills and had the chance to develop professionally. I was also involved in intramural Badminton.

Aditya Agrawal '23 | India

I was an undergraduate and graduate international student from Nepal. My major was Master’s in Accounting Analytics. When I was in Scranton, I really liked spending time with the international students in the International student club. Other thing I liked about the University is how culturally diversified they are. I happen to meet students from so many other countries and the way the university would be decorated during holiday season. But I must say, being here for more than 8 years, I had a chance to meet, make friends, and learn a lot from the university and the people.