Students at Utah State University with a keen ear may have noticed an additional voice on campus this summer. That “voice” came to USU from Mongolia and with six students.

 

The students, Zolbayar Namsraidorj, NaLjirmaa Sharav, Bassankhuu Vaanchig, Khishigdorj Bazarsuren, Enkhbayar Lkhagvasuren and Enkh-Od Dashnyam, traveled to Utah from their native city of Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, to study English and learn more about the U.S. culture.

 

While visiting from Mongolia, the students were paired with host families in Cache Valley, Utah, giving them an opportunity to experience an American lifestyle and become immersed in the local culture.

 

During their stay, they participated in a two-month educational instruction in English (language) and political science. Along with their studies however, they were able to visit various educational sites, including the Utah State Capital in Salt Lake City. The students in the program also had time to let loose and participate in local summer activities, including camping, dirt bike riding and attending local events like the Preston Night Rodeo.

 

“This program is great,” said Baasankhuu Vaanchig. “I improved my English and learned American culture, political science, all in a short time. I made a lot of friends from diverse countries.”

 

Through their experiences in Utah the students saw a different culture and lifestyle, while learning about various possibilities they have in their futures.

 

“There are fascinating sights and amazing activities,” Khishigdorj Bazersuren said. “USU can give you a great experience. I’m doing all the things which are in my mind at USU, so I’m making the world mine.”

 

USU hopes to continue this new partnership and allow more students to travel to Utah in years to come, fostering diversity, learning and discovery for students, staff and faculty alike.

 

The exchange program is a new collaboration between the USU office of the vice provost for international education, the U.S. State Department and the Mongolian government. It is the first ever language and culture exchange from the country of Mongolia. The goal of the exchange was to provide opportunities for Mongolian students who want to study, then enter, government and legal professions in their home country. In visiting Utah, students are able to improve their English skills and learn more about the political and government system in the United States as well as experience Utah’s culture.

 

Contact: Dennis Kohler, (435) 797-8847, dennis.kohler@usu.edu