With 7,200 students hailing from more than 70 countries, Seattle University (Seattle U) boasts a diverse and welcoming atmosphere located near many Fortune 500 companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks. The top-ranked college is a great option for international students, but what is it really like to apply and study there? We talked to Seattle U students Moureen, a business administration/general MBA student from Tanzania, and Yurino, a business analytics undergraduate from Japan, about why they chose this Pacific Northwest university, what it is like studying so far away from home, and how they find support and community on campus and off.
Choosing Seattle University
As a Jesuit Catholic college, Seattle University is “rooted in deep respect and appreciation for people, beliefs, and cultures around the world.” Seattle U upholds the belief that “when every person is welcome and celebrated, our whole community wins — and our world is transformed.”
Yurino chose to earn her undergraduate in business analytics at Seattle University because of its diversity, but that was just one among many reasons. “The high employment rate of graduates from this university was a persuasive factor in my decision,” she said. Seattle U boasts an impressive success rate of 97% of graduates finding employment or enrolled in grad school within six months of earning their degrees.
Yurino was also impressed by the small class sizes. “The student-to-professor ratio [11:1] was ideal, allowing me to receive personalized attention,” she said. Moureen agreed that “class size and overall course choice options [were] appealing,” and were a factor in her decision to get her business administration/general MBA from Seattle U.
Moureen also “wanted to be at a place that was well-ranked academically.” Seattle University is ranked #16 in Business Analytics by U.S. News & World Report and #14 Best College Locations in America (Niche, 2024). Plus, the city of Seattle is ranked #2 in Best Cities for STEM jobs (WalletHub).
Applying to Seattle University
Applying to your chosen university can feel overwhelming, but Seattle University provides help every step of the way. Yurino found support through the International Office and Admissions Office, “which was super helpful and walked me through everything … which made things much less stressful.”
Their support made me feel like Seattle University is a place that truly cares about its international students, and it made the whole transition feel so much smoother than I expected.” – Yurino from Japan, business analytics major
Graduate admissions helped make Moureen’s application process easier than she expected. She found that university staff was “pivotal in providing essential information needed. They were quick to respond to inquiries, and overall reinforced my choice to enroll at Seattle University over other schools.”
Finding Community on the Seattle University Campus
Adjusting to life in a new country can be stressful, and Moureen found “there was a lot to process during my first quarter of school. I wasn’t exactly homesick, but I was initially overwhelmed by being in a foreign environment that required me to learn and adjust to my new normal. Whenever I feel homesick, I reach out to my family, enjoy some African food, connect with new friends, and search for interesting events happening on campus.”
Having lived alone in the apartment-style dorms during her first quarter, Yurino overcame loneliness by meeting people through her dorm activities and school events. “Whether you’re into clubs or just want to hang out at events, there’s always something happening that makes it easy to meet new friends and feel more at home,” she said.
Yurino’s advice for those “who may feel homesick is to give yourself time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s normal to feel homesick, especially if you are an international student, so reach out to friends, staff, or counselors when you need support. I also think getting involved in clubs or campus events is a good way to meet new people and find your community.”
Check out six tips to avoid homesickness while at college >
With more than 180 student clubs, organizations, and communities, Seattle U offers a lot of ways to engage with the community and meet new people, but there are other benefits to joining a club as well.
In addition to fostering a sense of community for students, these groups place a strong emphasis on career preparedness.” - Moureen from Tanzania, business administration and general MBA major, member of the Graduate Students Council (GSC), SU Africans, and the NABA (National Association of Black Accountants) Seattle University Chapter
Studying at Seattle University
With a diverse array of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, Seattle University provides its students with a rigorous education in each of its six colleges and schools, including the Albers School of Business and Economics, the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, College of Nursing, College of Science and Engineering, and School of Law.
As a business analyst graduate student, Moureen favors the analytical classes because she is “interested in assessing situations and finding preemptive solutions to real-world situations. I find it intriguing that my classmates and I approach issues from different perspectives, yet we always find a shared understanding of our viewpoints.”
“Courses are more practical rather than theoretical, there is focus on real-time issues going on in the business world and the country at large. The friendly atmosphere in lecture rooms opens doors for meaningful discussions,” said Moureen.
Seattle University Campus Resources
Seattle University’s 55-acre campus is in the city’s dynamic Capitol Hill neighborhood, which makes it easy for students to visit the nearby cultural neighborhoods when missing home. The college’s location also gives students the opportunity to gain invaluable experience at global industry leading companies (such as Amazon, Starbucks, Google, and Microsoft, among others), thanks to the school’s in-person partnerships.
Yurino remembers her first impressions of campus with fondness. “The campus had such a welcoming atmosphere, and their Japanese gardens made me feel at home right away. Everyone I met was super friendly, which helped me make friends quickly,” she said.
Seattle University provides on-campus resources for students who are in need of help with everything from tutoring to mental health. “If students are feeling depressed or discouraged, they can reach out to the counseling center,” said Yurino.
[I have] an academic advisor who supports my academic and personal development, and an immigration advisor who goes beyond simply ensuring that I maintain my status. It could be a ‘hey, how are you doing today, do you want to chat,’ or a ‘how’s class’ that comes in the form of hidden help. These interactions create breathing space for me to share my concerns.” – Moureen from Tanzania, business administration/general MBA program
“We also have a tutoring center for those who might be struggling with their studies. Plus, each student has an academic advisor who helps plan and schedule classes to ensure they stay on track for graduation,” Yurino said.
Tutoring doesn’t just cover specific academic subjects: International students can take advantage of comprehensive resources at Seattle University’s English Language Learning Center, with offerings including personalized instruction customized to one’s proficiency level, cultural guidance, and workshops on both academic and conversational English.
Seattle University International Student and Scholar Center
The International Student and Scholar Center (ISSC) is considered a home away from home for students from other countries, and provides support with visas, life on campus, and academic success.
As a student employee at the ISSC, Moureen “coordinates programs for international students as a way of bringing them together and building a community that listens and responds to their needs in an ever-changing environment.” She said, “This opportunity has given me practical experience in line with expectations in a US job environment associated with workplace dynamics, culture, and standards. I believe it is preparing me for further internship opportunities.”
Yurino is no stranger to the ISSC, utilizing the tutoring services when needed, and gives the center credit for “help[ing] me adjust to life here. I’ve participated in several fun events that they organize.” She also “had the chance to work as an intern at the International Student Center, which gave me valuable experience in event planning and connecting with other students. The internship opportunities here are fantastic, and I’ve been able to learn a lot while working with others in a supportive environment.”
Advice for International Students at Seattle University
For international students considering Seattle University, Yurino recommends that they “be open to new experiences! It might feel a little overwhelming at first, but there are so many people and resources here to help you settle in. The International Office is incredibly supportive, and they organize a lot of fun events where you can meet other students from all over the world.”
After experiencing the initial culture shock of life in a different country, Moureen wants potential international students to “take time to mentally prepare yourself, understand that you might have to take baby steps during certain times, it’s all a process, it gets better with time.” She continued, “Be bold and kind, put yourself out there, start conversations with people, listen to their ideas, get involved with people and clubs on campus, form genuine influential connections, and don’t worry about your accent. It actually makes you stand out, which isn’t a bad thing!”
Lastly, remember the professors and staff are here to help you succeed, and even though “studying here can be challenging at times, the school offers a lot of support, so you’re never on your own,” said Moureen. “Plus, it’s easy to find your own community, whether through clubs, events, or just meeting people in class. So, if you’re worried, don’t be — there’s always someone to help, and you’ll settle in faster than you think.”
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