Fernando sitting in front of Wichita State sign

Fernando Fleitas

Asunción, Paraguay
Universidad Nacional de Asunción
Computer Engineering
Fall 2026

Why did you choose WSU?

I chose WSU because it matches many of my academic and extracurricular interests. It offers a great variety of classes, clubs, and organizations, with great professors and opportunities to get involved on campus.

What has been your favorite experience so far?

My favorite experience so far has been making new friends from different countries and cultures while sharing the experience of being an international student. It has been great to go from being complete strangers to having people I can rely on and share experiences with.

would you recommend WSu to other becal-cpk students and why?

Yes, I would definitely recommend WSU to other BECAL-CPK students because of the quality of the classes, professors, and activities available on campus. There are also many opportunities beyond academics, such as playing sports, meeting new people, making friends, and becoming part of the Shocker family.

Mayra on campus

Mayra Cibils Rojas

Asunción, Paraguay
Universidad Del Pacifico
Audiovisual Communication
Fall 2026

What has been your favorite experience so far?

It’s hard to pick only one, but I think the most fun experience so far was the Clash of Colleges. It was really cool, very American— I felt like I was in a movie. The first week of classes was fun too, there were so many activities to do.

Would you recommend WSU to other BECAL-CPK students and why?

Yes, I 100% recommend [WSU]. It is an incredible experience. WSU really is a complete campus, they have so many activities, clubs and organizations that you can join. Plus, the people who works on the Study Abroad Office will never leave you alone if you have any questions, concerns, or difficulties.

Are you getting any unique experiences that will contribute towards your career?

I am absolutely amazed and delighted by the academic standard of my program (filmmaking). Shocker Studios is a truly well-equipped campus, offering all the facilities students need to carry out their projects and shoots. What I also really love is that the Shocker Studios community has a channel where students can ask for help whenever they need it, allowing you to get involved in various projects across different year groups! I’ve already had the pleasure of working on more than three short films, and I’m looking forward to doing even more!

 

Maxim Selfie

Maxim Poinsot

Orléans, France
Université D'Orléans
Aerospace Engineering
Fall 2026

What, if anything, surprised you about campus culture/WSU?

I was surprised by the size of the campus and the number of facilities and buildings available to students. Everyone at WSU is very kind, and you quickly feel comfortable around them, which is a big plus.

What is your experience with the International Buddy Program?

The International Buddy Program is a real benefit when you come to WSU, especially during the first weeks, when you are still making friends and building connections. Whether it is going grocery shopping, eating out, or taking a trip, your buddy is there to help you settle in and feel at home.

What is your favorite course you are taking? Does this course contribute to your degree?

My favorite course is AE 227 (Engineering Digital Computation). I enjoy it because it is built around experimentation. You rarely get a program right on the first attempt, so you learn by testing and refining your approach. That process can be frustrating, but when everything finally works it is really satisfying. It also counts toward my degree, which makes it even more worthwhile.

Jeremias in front of Wichita State sign

Jeremías Barreto

Asunción, Paraguay
Universidad Americana
International Relations
Fall 2026

Do you have a favorite course you are taking? Does it contribute to your degree?

Yes, my favorite course is Introduction to International Relations. It is a dynamic class taught by an incredible professor. We blend theoretical concepts with real world current events. It contributes massively to my degree because my ultimate goal is to join my country's diplomatic corps and having a deep understanding of how international relations actually work is essential for that path.

What has been your experience with the international Buddy program?

My experience with the Buddy Program has been amazing, I honestly feel like I got the best buddy! Ryan is kind and funny. He’s shown me so many great places, took me to his hometown to meet his family, and we’ve traveled to other states together sharing so many awesome moments. And he’s really helped me polish my English. Without him, my international experience wouldn't have been the same.

What is your favorite part about studying abroad at WSU/Wichita, KS?

I’d say it’s a split between the vibrant campus life at WSU and the chance to truly experience everyday American culture. The classes here are hands-on and collaborative, which keeps you motivated every day. But at the same time, being in the heart of the U.S. makes it so easy to travel and really immerse yourself in the local lifestyle.

 

Bugyeong Lee

Bugyeong Lee

South Korea
Dankook University
Business Administration
Spring 2026

Why did you choose WSU?

I chose WSU because I wanted to experience studying in a completely different environment from my home university. I was curious about how classes in the U.S. are structured and how students participate in discussions. I also thought it would be a great opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, improve my English, and experience a new culture while studying abroad.

What has been your favorite experience so far?

One of my favorite parts of being here has been the small everyday moments, like talking with classmates after class or spending time with friends on campus. Since there are not many exchange students here, I've had more opportunities to interact with local students and experience campus life from their perspective. I've also really enjoyed going to WSU basketball games with my friends. Watching the Shockers play and feeling the school spirit was a really fun experience.

What has been your experience with the buddy program?

The buddy program has been really helpful for adjusting to life here. There are many activities and programs that help international students feel more comfortable and supported. I especially like that the buddy events give us chances not only to spend time with our own buddy but also to meet other buddies and international students. It's been a great way to make new friends and feel more connected to the community.

 

Matheo Guerrero Paredes

Matheo Guerrero Paredes

San Lorenzo, Paraguay
Universidad Nacional De Asunción
Aerospace Engineering
Spring 2026

Would you recommend WSU to other BECAL-CPK students?

Of course! Because regardless of your major, you're going to have plenty of opportunities either to learn something new or to meet new people. There's also lots of events hosted on campus that you can attend. If you need help with anything while staying here, you can also reach out to the many different departments on campus and they will gladly help you.

Do you have a favorite course you are taking? Does it contribute to your degree?

Yes, actually two! The first one would be Aerospace Propulsion 1, because I've been learning a lot about how plane engines and rockets work. The other one would be Flight Structures 2, because I have the opportunity to use different engineering softwares that otherwise I'd probably never have the chance to use. They contribute to my degree by allowing me to have access to resources that I don't have back home and by knowing how things are taught in a different setting than my home country, that helps me get a better picture of how the things I learn work.

What has been your favorite experience so far?

Definitely the snow. I've never seen it before, so when I experienced my first snowfall ever during my second week here, it was awesome. Although, I wasn't a fan of how cold it got.

Sofía Cantero Salvioni

Sofía Cantero Salvioni

Asunción, Paraguay
Universidad Nacional De Asunción
Business Administration
Spring 2026

Why did you choose WSU?

I chose WSU because it offered the most complete and well-rounded academic program for my major. I was also drawn to the university's infrastructure and the many years of history it has built over time, and I felt confident it was the right place for me.

Are you getting any unique experiences that will contribute towards your career? Such as a class, a project you are involved in, etc.?

Yes! All the classes I chose are very valuable and contribute greatly to my major in Business Administration. I feel a special connection to each of them. However, the class Successful Negotiation has been especially meaningful to me because I feel it is helping me develop the negotiation skills I have been wanting to strengthen.

What is your favorite part about studying abroad at WSU/Wichita?

What I enjoy the most is that there is always something new happening every day — new people to meet, unique activities to participate in, and a beautiful campus to walk around and enjoy.

 

Waka Watanabe

Waka Watanabe

Japan
Aoyama Gakuin University
Business
Fall 2025

Would you recommend WSU to other exchange students and why?

I would recommend WSU to other exchange students because WSU has a friendly environment for international students. Every time I have any problems, various kinds of services help me. There are also many opportunities to interact with people outside of campus.

What has been your favorite experience so far?

My favorite experience is the trip to Kansas City with friends I met at WSU. We enjoyed driving and visiting tourist attractions there. Especially, making our countries' cuisine and talking all night.

What is your experience with our international buddy program?

I really enjoy time with my buddy. She takes me to many places, such as shopping malls, nice restaurants, and cafes. This program is very helpful for exchange students because my buddy supports many things related to campus life.

Marten Hacke

Marten Hacke

Germany
Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
Electrical Engineering
Fall 2025

Why did you choose WSU?

Studying abroad at WSU gave me the opportunity to take classes that weren't available at my home university. This allowed me to focus on subjects I'm truly interested in and to develop new skills.

What has been your favorite part about studying abroad at WSU/Wichita, KS?

My favorite part of studying in Kansas was definitely the freedom and variety of opportunities available at WSU. I truly felt that I could focus on things I enjoy and gain valuable experiences.

Would you recommend WSU to other exchange students?

Absolutely! Apart from studying, Wichita is the perfect base to travel from and explore the rest of the U.S.