Jenn Jentes, UIC Global student success manager at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), is passionate about supporting international students in adapting to university life in the US. Jenn and her fellow UIC Global team are dedicated to helping first-year international students succeed academically, as well as navigating the social and emotional adjustments of studying abroad. By enrolling with UIC Global, international students can access a range of support services including language assistance, help with navigating cultural differences in the US, and more!
Read on to learn about Jenn’s journey, and how her team at UIC Global supports international students as they pursue their studies.
Jenn’s Journey at UIC Global
Fueled by her passion for teaching, Jenn began her career at Shorelight as an academic tutor for English as a Second Language (ESL) students at UIC Global.
“I have two degrees in English, and I wanted to be a teacher and [teach] at the collegiate level,” she said. During her time as an academic tutor, Jenn worked closely with pre-sessional students, helping them establish a strong foundation for their studies in the US.
“I look back at that time so fondly,” she said. “It was very fulfilling. I absolutely loved working with international students and watching that ‘Aha!’ moment, whether it be in conversations to practice their speaking skills, explaining a little bit about the American education system [and] why it’s different, [or] just getting to know them.”
Jenn later progressed to become a student services advisor. In this role, she said, “[I] got to know our students on a more personal level and make that connection with them again.”
Next, she moved into her current position as student success manager (SSM) at UIC Global. “I work with our international students in their first year during their Global program to make sure that they are happy, healthy, and safe,” she said.
As student success manager, Jenn places a strong focus on supporting international students in their social and emotional transition, offering insights, developing workshops, and conducting one-on-one discussions to help students overcome their challenges.
The International Student Experience with UIC Global
UIC Global is within the University of Illinois Chicago, a university ranked among the top 100 National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, and offers students the opportunity to live, learn, and excel in the third-largest city in the US.
“The reason I chose to start my adult career here, as well as continue my education, is because there’s something [in Chicago] for everybody!” Jenn particularly enjoys how UIC provides students with a diverse and close-knit college community while also offering an exciting city life full of recreational activities, international cuisines, local culture, and more.
Jenn and the UIC Global team currently work with students from India, Vietnam, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia, among other countries. By developing interactive support programs such as time-management workshops, budget-building sessions, and cultural programs, Jenn makes sure UIC Global students have everything they need to focus on their studies while also building connections with students from different countries, exploring the city, and learning how to live independently away from home.
Additionally, the UIC Global team identifies specific areas where students may require additional resources and organizes events based on their interests.
“We use an intake survey and midpoint [semester] check-in to see where their interests lie and we try to align our events with those,” she said. “It’s really making sure that our students have a voice in the events that are happening, but also making sure … they can build that community within UIC and Chicago.”
Jenn’s Advice for International Students
Jenn encourages international students to be brave and confident, and to know that — with Shorelight — they have access to a variety of resources and support for a smooth academic journey in the US. As international students navigate their lives abroad, student success managers ensure a seamless transition to campus life, where students can thrive as they work toward their academic and professional goals.
“We [build] a global learning community, making sure our students feel supported academically and socially … we are here to support and do anything we can to make sure that you are successful!”
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