A Cauldron Spotlight: International Student Abdul Hanan Manzoor – The Cauldron
Meet Abdul Hanan Manzoor: Cleveland State University student and president of the Pakistan Student Association (PSA), with a passion for helping fellow international students adjust to life in a new educational system, city and culture.
Having arrived at Cleveland during the summer of 2022, Manzoor is now a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering technology. Beyond his studies, however, Manzoor devotes time to helping students acclimate to campus life as PSA president and through his work at the First Year Advising Office and the Center for International Services and Programs (CISP).
Long before he made his way to CSU, Manzoor began his own journey as a prospective international student by completing the necessary documents and applying for admission through Shorelight, a program designed to help international persons study and transition to universities in the United States.
That wasn’t all. Next, Manzoor had to complete an I-20 form to prove his eligibility to study in the United States. Then, he ensured his Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) account, which tracks nonimmigrant student and exchange visitors, was active.
After the documentation was completed, the next step was a Visa interview at the United States Embassy in Pakistan. Manzoor described the journey as “meticulous, but the prospect of pursuing my education at CSU made every step worthwhile.”
Upon his arrival, Manzoor was picked up from the airport by the former PSA president, Maaz Khan, who helped Manzoor with “pretty much everything,” from his first grocery trip to passing the time by having lunch together.
In Manzoor’s own words, PSA offers Pakistani students a sense of community, including “a platform for cultural exchange, social engagement and support for students navigating life in a foreign country.
Manzoor noted that being on campus alone can feel “overwhelming,” especially in trying to integrate socially and understand academic expectations. Cultural differences can also increase feelings of homesickness.
Off-campus, there are the challenges of logistics. For example, one must learn how to use public transportation to get groceries.
Manzoor emphasized the importance of resilience in working through challenges, noting that it is something that can be built up, especially in working with other members of the international student community.
The on-campus resources include CISP, which offers campus tours focusing on offices and resources that help international students, before university orientation.
Manzoor added that CSUGlobal provides students with tours of downtown and Steelyard Commons for shopping.
Ultimately Manzoor offers these main pieces of advice to new international students at CSU:
- Stay informed about Visa regulations and requirements, ensuring compliance to maintain international student status.
- Attend University orientation programs.
- Familiarize yourself with the various resources on campus including libraries, student support services, health centers and career counseling.
- Join cultural clubs or international student organizations on campus.
- Be open-minded and embrace cultural differences. Learn from others, share your own experiences, and be respectful of different perspectives.
Interested students can get involved with PSA by sending an email to Manzoor at [email protected].