E-mail this pageMeet Our International Student Alumni
Julius Oni
Country: Nigeria
Major (s): Biology
Graduated: May 2003
What are you currently doing: I am currently a resident physician in orthopedic surgery at New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases.
How did SUNY Plattsburgh prepare you for your career of choice? Plattsburgh gave me the head start that I needed for subsequent years. I developed a strong foundation, and solidified my leadership and academic skills in those four years.
What did you like best about SUNY Plattsburgh? The faculty and staff are wholly dedicated to ensuring the long-term successes of their students. As one of many examples, I was able to complete research projects at the National Institutes of Health and University of Iowa during my time at Plattsburgh. Both of those opportunities became realities because of the tireless efforts of SUNY Plattsburgh faculty members.
What advice would you give to future students of SUNY Plattsburgh? Take advantage of the unique opportunities that SUNY Plattsburgh will surely present to you. If you heed these words, the sky will be your limit.
Andra Telemacque
Country: Dominica
Major: Criminal Justice
Graduated May 2007
What are you currently doing: I am currently waiting on a decision from NFI, an organization that works with at-risk youth. I got accepted to the top law schools in England, including the London School of Economics, Politics and Law, University of Manchester and University of Nottingham. Next semester I will be attending the London School of Economics.
How did SUNY Plattsburgh prepare you for your career of choice? My sociology and criminal justice classes gave me the necessary knowledge to view the world, especially the legal system, in a critical way.
What did you like best about SUNY Plattsburgh? Who does not like small classes which enable you to get adequate attention from professors and make lasting friendships? Who does not like an international staff that makes you feel at home or the Caribbean Club that brings a special touch of home to university life?
What advice would you give to future students of SUNY Plattsburgh? Make it a point of duty to prioritize your time, granting adequate time to both your academic life and social life. Get to know people so that you have long lasting friends, laugh at your mistakes and move on. Most importantly, have a goal in life and strive for it, accepting challenges as you go along.
Erandi Hettiarachchi
Country: Sri Lanka
Major(s): Economics and Business
Graduated May 2007
What are you currently doing: I got accepted into an MBA program in Accounting at Pace University. I am currently interviewing for jobs in the business field.
How did SUNY Plattsburgh prepare you for your career of choice: The classes I took as well as the various activities that I was part of gave me the necessary knowledge and strenghth to make intelligent life decisions.
What did you like best about SUNY Plattsburgh: I would have to say that the best thing I liked about Plattsburgh were the people that I met here, either in my classes, in different organizations or in the community. It was these people that made my stay in Plattsburgh both enjoyable and memorable.
What advice would you give to future students of SUNY Plattsburgh? Get involved in whatever you can!! Academics are important, but its the extra activities that you do and the different people you meet, that will help you in the future.
K. Don Dasitha Gunaratne
Country: Sri Lanka
Major: Chemistry, minor in Business
Graduated May 2006
What are you currently doing: I am a graduate student at Pennsylvania State University. I am researching the properties of new materials and how to synthesize them.
How did SUNY Plattsburgh prepare you for your career of choice? I originally came as a Business major but was introduced to a range of fields in my freshman year. Professors and instructors in the Chemistry Department go out of their way to explain concepts and give valuable advice. The Learning Center staff helped me improve my tutoring skills and I still keep in touch with them. Getting involved in SA Clubs (Asian Club), participating in intramural sports, being a Resident Mentor and Student Ambassador provided me a range of experiences which I can draw on when needed.
What did you like best about SUNY Plattsburgh: I got the advantage of low student to faculty ratios which are helpful when you have questions inside or outside the class. Plattsburgh State has an ideal learning environment where you can find a good balance between nature, friends and coursework. I find it impossible to find one best thing because there are several 'best things' about it.
What advice would you give to future students of SUNY Plattsburgh: The International Student Services staff are there for you at any given situation and you will come to consider them as a second family (NO! I was not paid to say that). Once you see the beautiful campus and make a bunch of friends, get ready for some of the best times in your life, where you will learn a lot about your chosen field, other people, and most importantly, yourself. Make the most of the diversity of the campus and participate in extracurricular activities. Above all, be willing and open to change and new ideas.
Azilla Clarke
Country: St. Kitts and Nevis
Major: Social Work and Political Science
Graduated May 2006
What are you currently doing: Since I returned home in 2007, I have been working as a Community Liaison Officer with the Basic Needs Trust Fund Office, a poverty alleviation program funded by the Caribbean Development Bank.
How did SUNY Plattsburgh prepare you for your career of choice? I could not succeeded without the mentorship of the entire Social Work and Political Science faculty and the general staff of SUNY Plattsburgh.
What did you like best about SUNY Plattsburgh? The small close-knit family environment, the way they allow you to lead and grow and the people - they are the ultimate x-factor.
What advice would you give to future students of SUNY Plattsburgh? Take every opportunity available to you. Get out there and use all of your skills for they will be valued at SUNY Plattsburgh.
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?
If you have any questions about international admission or financial aid at SUNY-Plattsburgh, please contact:
International Student Services
State University of New York at Plattsburgh
Kehoe Administration Building, Room 209
101 Broad Street
Plattsburgh, New York 12901 USA
Phone: (518) 564-3287
Fax: (518) 564-3292
E-mail: iss@plattsburgh.edu