Saudi Arabian students studying at Virginia Tech

15 gifted students from Saudi Arabia have left their desert kingdom for Blacksburg.

February 07, 2012|Justin McLeod | WDBJ7 Reporter

BLACKSBURG, Va. — Virginia Tech's motto is invent the future, and now the university is leading the way by taking part in a unique program involving students from Saudi Arabia.

It's no secret when it comes to higher education America leads the way.

So Saudi Arabia has sent a group of students to Virginia Tech to get a first rate education.

It's certainly been a culture shock for the students but they say they've also been able to shatter stereotypes.

Virginia Tech is a world-renowned university and as such attracts students from all over the world.

This year a first of its kind program --15 gifted students from Saudi Arabia have left their desert kingdom for Blacksburg.

"When I first came to Blacksburg it was a real shock because it was a small town, typical college town. I come from the second largest city in my country," said Reem Alattas, a Saudi Arabian student:.

The students were sent here by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology to take science oriented classes.

Here at Virginia Tech they're spending the year learning better English and American culture before applying to any U.S. university.

Once they earn their undergraduate degree they'll return to Saudi Arabia with a better education, and maybe a better understanding of who we are.

"They'll take back with them a much more rounded vision of what American life is like and what Americans are like," said Don Back, Virginia Tech's Language and Culture Institute Director. "Which may help to end misconceptions, stereotypes, and hatred."

These Muslim students admit they were worried about coming to an American university in a post 9/11 world.

"When I first came here I was nervous like how do they view me? But it has vanished the first day. People have been extremely welcoming," said Abdulaziz Sirajuddin, a Saudi Arabian student.

The students tell us they've experienced no racism here at Virginia Tech.

In fact, they say we have more similarities than differences, and there are a few things they like better about America.

"Well for one the weather is so much better. It's too hot in Saudi Arabia," said Faisal Alshaker, a Saudi Arabian student.

The 15 students are all here in America on scholarship.

All their expenses are paid for by the university in Saudi Arabia.

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