E-mail this pageMeet Our International Student Alumni
If you are a recent graduate and you are doing something exciting (graduate school, job, etc.) tell us about it. Just fill out the online alumni profile and send us a current photo.
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.
Nhu Quynh Nguyen
Country: Vietnam
Major: Chemistry
Graduated May 2006
I came to SUNY Plattsburgh because of my uncle who is a SUNY Plattsburgh alumnus. As an International student, I have come to love the small campus setting of SUNY Plattsburgh where I can easily interact with other students and get to know the faculty personally. These experiences have greatly contributed towards creating a foundation for my future career and interests as a chemist.
I have been offered a full scholarship to do my PhD in analytical/materials field, particularly in green chemistry at the University of Buffalo.
I could have chosen any other US college out of thousands, but the fact that I chose SUNY Plattsburgh and the results were more than I expected, is a fact that I will always be proud of. SUNY Plattsburgh was the right choice. At SUNY Plattsburgh, you can grow on your own and get help at the same time. SUNY Plattsburgh builds your independence, social skills, and confidence that you need in the future.
Hira Shafqat
Country: Pakistan
Major: Accounting and Business
Graduated May 2006
What are you currently doing: I am working at UHY Advisors DC, Inc . as a Staff Auditor.
How did SUNY Plattsburgh prepare you for your career of choice? At Plattsburgh, I got to know people who taught me how to become a successful person. I am especially grateful to Dr. Mohammed Gaber, Accounting department chair and professor, and Dr. David Mowry, Honors Program Director. The classes that I took, the people I met, either on campus or off campus, increased my knowledge about how things work in life.
What did you like best about SUNY Plattsburgh? My most wonderful experience on campus was being a Resident Assistant (RA). This experience taught me how to make difficult decisions and to believe in my judgment. I hope I contributed to my residents' knowledge of the outside world and especially my culture.
What advice would you give to future students of SUNY Plattsburgh? Since Plattsburgh is a small campus, you have one-on-one access to your professors who are always willing to help you out. You will enjoy studying in an environment without too may distractions. Above all, if you do want to have some fun, Plattsburgh is located in the middle of all scenic areas. Go to the mountains for hiking, go for snow tubing or skiing, do white water rafting, experience the scenic areas of Burlington and nearby areas, and go across border to spend the evening in Montreal.
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