Maria Quilis

International Student Advisor, Academic English Language Programs
Framingham State University

What inspired you to work in this field? 
I am originally from Madrid, Spain. I have been living in the United States for 11 years now. Before coming to the U.S., I had the opportunity to live in France and in Great Britain. Immersing oneself in a new culture and getting to know new people is a beautiful and challenging experience. This international background and the fact that I love being among international people is what motivates me to work in this field.

What are the challenges you've faced? 
Language barriers, homesickness, and integration in the host community. For me, that is why it is especially important to be present for our international students and make sure to provide all the support they may need during their cultural adjustment.

What do you hope to achieve in the future? 
I hope to help the international students that are studying with us to achieve their dreams, whether it is studying English to progress professionally or accessing an American university to study for an undergraduate or graduate degree. 

If you can give 1 or 2 pieces of advice to our prospective international students, what would it be?
Landing in a new culture and leaving behind family and friends is not easy. To overcome homesickness, I always recommend that students join clubs or find hobbies that give them the opportunity to meet new people and provide a few social events to look forward to during their first few months in the U.S.