Interested in supporting international students at UVU, donate to the International Student Scholarship Fund.
International students thrive in UVU’s vibrant academic atmosphere that allows them to share their gifts and talents with classmates and faculty while carving out their own individual niche as students. Almost daily, international students are extended opportunities to discover and develop their scholarly passions through the institution’s unique emphasis on engaged learning.
However, international students also face hurdles that most students don’t. Due to federal regulations, international students must pay out-of-state tuition for the duration of their enrollment at UVU; they cannot obtain residency for purposes of tuition.
Kevin De Paz Negrete is a symbol of dedication, discipline, and focus. Raised by a single mother, Kevin had to learn about responsibility at a very young age. Being the only child, Kevin became the only support for his mother, which taught him to work hard. At fourteen years old, Kevin started his own clothing store in Mexico City that led him to widen his dreams and aspirations.
Kevin, inspired by his entrepreneurial spirit, decided to enroll at UVU in search of more opportunities. At UVU, he found skills that he never thought he had. UVU has helped him through its emphasis on engaged learning, real world experiences in classes, and opportunities to acquire new languages and develop leadership skills.
Because of his great dedication and involvement, Kevin has been granted a scholarship as part of the International Student Council and will be mentoring students at UVU. “Being awarded with something like this represents a huge responsibility. That is why I give the best of me to everything I do,” he said.
“UVU has helped me expand my world and capabilities. I am really happy to be part of this great and diverse institution,” Kevin said.
As a child growing up on the streets of Lagos, Nigeria, Victoria dreamed of someday changing the world by helping everyone around her. While working at the grassroots level to bring healthcare to her local community, her passion for service and excellent work ethic singled her out for an opportunity to study nursing at UVU as an undergraduate.
At UVU, Victoria has been an exceptional student, true to her dreams. She works with the UVU Inclusion committee, the International Student Council, Academic Tutoring, and Science and Health departments to help other students achieve academic excellence and have a richer college experience.
Victoria owes her deepest gratitude to UVU’s inclusivity that accepts her and offers her a place to be her best. She has loved and enjoyed the community and belonging that UVU and nursing school has provided her ever since she left her home and family.
“I see friends everywhere at UVU; along the hallways, in the classrooms and offices,” Victoria shared. “I would not have made it this far without them. People who truly care about you and your success, that’s family right there.”
Although Henintsoa is from Madagascar, she grew up in Kenya, which she also calls home. Both countries are rich in their flora and fauna. However, concerned about the ongoing environmental degradation, she resolved to pursue a degree that would help her to preserve the environment.
From her very first year at college, Henintsoa has been involved with undergraduate research under UVU’s Earth Sciences Department and highly appreciated how the faculty have been so encouraging and helpful towards mentoring her. She was also elected as her department’s Outstanding Student of the Year.
“I can confidently say that I would not have gained the skill set I have today if not for UVU,” Henintsoa said. “For instance, I have been able to attend several national conferences all over the country to present my research, which was funded by UVU’s Engaged Learning Program.
She is also a member of the International Student Council. “I am very humbled to be part of the International Student Council, through which not only could I help my fellow international students, but also gain valuable leadership experience.”
