When international students walk into the UDayton Global office, they can count on two things — a hot cup of coffee or tea and warm smiles from Lindsey Garbenis and her team.
For nearly five years, Lindsey has been helping international students fulfill their dreams of studying in the USA, first as the director of admissions of UDayton Global and now as managing director. Together with the UDayton Global team, she guides international students in applying, enrolling, and succeeding on campus.
Her career in higher education began at the University of Cincinnati, followed by Hawaii Pacific University and ELS Cincinnati Center. In addition to Hawaii, she previously worked in Alaska and Florida before returning to her home state of Ohio to work at UDayton Global in 2018.
Enabling students to achieve their goal of studying in the USA is her lifelong passion. “To be able to play even a small role in their story has been a great honor,” says Lindsey. “To meet them in their home country, then meet them on campus, and see them flourish in their careers has been very exciting.”
The UDayton Global Difference
Specially designed for international students, UDayton Global’s award-winning first-year program provides a 360-degree suite of support services, from the application process to orientation week to graduation day.
“The UDayton Global team loves to welcome students to campus,” says Lindsey. “Our open workstations allow new students to see all our smiling faces who are excited to help. Students can stop in for questions, support, or even just a snack.”
Student ambassadors and UDayton Global staff are on hand to answer questions, find and recommend tutors, lead career workshops, or help students sign up for one of many social events, like trips to amusement parks, holiday decorating, or game nights. And of course, study breaks with coffee.
Why Should International Students Apply to the University of Dayton?
Located in southwest Ohio, about a one-hour flight from Chicago, Dayton is a medium-sized Midwest city with a strong arts community, lots of cultural events, great restaurants, and plenty of internship opportunities. As the home of the Wright Brothers, Dayton also has a rich history in aviation and a longstanding commitment to innovation and technology.
“Studying in a STEM program at the University of Dayton allows students to obtain the skills, knowledge, and practical experience they need to change the world, and the courage to do it,” says Lindsey. “Students are bringing great ideas to life in projects such as creating a computer chip that can think for itself, safeguarding pipelines, and powering the Mars 2020 Rover.”
STEM students also have access to experiential-focused resources and programs such as:
Makerspace, a collaborative lab space outfitted with tools, software, and equipment for personal and course projects
The Ethos Center, an applied learning program committed to turning students into sustainability- and equity-minded global citizens and engineers
STEM Catalyst Initiative, a competitive research grant program
One of the top universities in Ohio, UDayton is #127 in National Universities and #54 in Best Undergraduate Teaching (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). Many programs — including undergraduate engineering, business, and computer science — are ranked in the top 200 in the US.
In terms of master’s programs, University of Dayton is ranked #48 in graduate engineering and #40 in aerospace engineering, as well as in the top 125 in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering programs (U.S. News & World Report, 2023).
Read more about university rankings in the USA >
UDayton’s Commitment to Community and Careers
As an international student, you are likely considering applying to dozens of US schools. A lot of factors — such as rankings, faculty, program reputation, location, and research opportunities — will go into your decision. As you weigh your choices, Lindsey suggests considering more intangible factors, too.
“The sense of community at the University of Dayton is very strong and inclusive,” says Lindsey. From networking for jobs to support systems to lifelong friendships, your campus community will play a large role in your future success.
“International students have a feeling of belonging and becoming a Flyer from day one,” she says. “You will connect with roommates and classmates and can explore over 200 student clubs and organizations, as well as attend Division 1 sporting events to cheer on the Dayton Flyers.”
Preparing you for success in your field is also at the top of the UDayton Global list.
“You also have endless opportunities to obtain co-ops and internships, using CPT to get real world experience,” she says. “And you can apply for OPT after graduation and potentially work full time in your field for up to three years.”
Named a top US city for STEM careers by WalletHub, Dayton has more than 100 tech startups and the state of Ohio is committed to ongoing investments in attracting international student talent for STEM careers. UDayton students intern and work at top-tier companies around the world such as Amazon, Eli Lilly, Emerson, GE Aviation, Johnson & Johnson, Lenovo, Tesla, Whirlpool, and more.
Read more Faces on Campus and UDayton Student Stories >
Reach New Heights with the Flyers
Applying for the UDayton Global undergraduate and graduate programs is easy. Shorelight enrollment counselors work with you every step of the way on your application, deadlines for required documents, assisting with F-1 visa paperwork, and even campus arrival.
As you prepare your application, Lindsey has one important piece of advice: “Apply early, as some of our programs have limited capacities and fill up quickly!” she says. “Depending on your English and academic background, the team will place you into the correct accelerator or direct option that is best for you.”
Campus staff is personally invested in your success in and out of the classroom, says Lindsey. “Our team puts students first. We go out of our way to problem solve and support our students. It is an honor to watch our team come together and collaborate with each other and campus partners to build and grow the student experience and academic success.”
