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June 18, 2007

African Students in US Unite to Tackle Common Problems
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=17DC604:A6F02AD83191E1600B0476BC493E1F139574F7DCC14957C0 African
Students in US Unite to Tackle Common Problems





Each year, thousands of African students are admitted to American
universities. With their move to a new environment, they are sometimes
faced with unique problems that may affect their education. Most
universities encourage African students to form or join an association
in which they share their experiences -- with the aim of collectively
solving problems. But spokespeople for many African associations say
their groups have little clout.

One student, Lynda Ekefumi of Nigeria, wants to change that. She’s a
college student in Florida and the president of an umbrella
association that brings together all the African student groups.She
that the concept of the African Students Association Convention "is to
unite all the African students in America, for all Africans to have a
united front. Basically, where African students can have a global
voice….”

The organization ASAC – African Students Association Convention --  is
made up of more than 300 different associations from colleges across
the United States.  It recently held its first annual convention.
Participants discussed ways to unite and present a stronger voice to
their respective universities.  They also talked about taking part in
activities that showcase their African heritage -- and about issues
common to all international students in American institutions.  “What
we did during the convention was to discuss challenges students face,
such as the budget from their respective school…how expensive it is to
attend school….” She says.

Ekefumi says that African students number in the thousands but they
have not had an official organization that links them. Her idea to
form the umbrella association was well received, even though initial
attendance was low because of different school schedules.  She has
been inundated with requests from African students from various
universities to make the conference into an annual event. “…We were
able to research over 300 associations and each of them, the members
range from 70-95….” She adds.

African students face challenges like tuition, which is often higher
for international students than for American ones.  And foreign
students may have a hard time fitting into the new culture.  Such
associations form a support network that helps them cope and also
helps form the basis for their professional life after school. Ekefumi
says many African companies are seeking out and recruiting members of
these associations and offering them jobs on the continent.

Ekefumi hopes they will soon start outreach programs to help provide
information to African high school students who want to attend
American universities, since most of them don’t know about the
application process or about what to expect once they join school. 





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