Meet your faculty at Colorado State University

Dr. Charles, Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

“International students bring multicultural experiences that contribute to the diversity of the student body and enrich the learning experience. Students studying abroad should take the opportunity to learn about the culture of the host country, city and academic institution as much as possible, as doing so can only enhance their education.

I’ve always loved learning, and both teaching and conducting research offer the opportunity for lifelong learning. I often say that I have the best job, as I’m essentially getting paid to learn. The best thing about working at a university is the continuous interaction with young people which maintains an energetic and interesting work environment.”

Christine, Instructor

“I really love being able to help international students meet their goals in life. They want to improve their situation or family situation by going to school at a university.

I love being able to work with different levels of students. My advice for people studying abroad would be that they need to come here and want to learn. There are lots of different ways to learn English other than in a classroom, but I think the top tip is to try to speak in English and to not constantly be using your own language. Push yourself to be in the English environment rather than staying with your own group.

The best thing about working at CSU is that it is very unique in the way that international students really are integrated and there is also faculty that are international.”

Jayne, Instructor

“I love that my students come to me. It’s like having a window into the world without having to go anywhere. Everyone brings their culture here and I get to learn something new every day. I love the ability to be creative with my lessons and to be able to tailor what I’m doing to the needs of the class. I love the freedom to do what I think is best for my students.

The biggest piece of advice I would give is to not stay with people from your home country but get out and make some friends that are Americans, speak with them in English and learn their experiences."

Laurel, Curriculum Supervisor and Instructor

“I believe that competence in academic English can open up incredible opportunities for people around the world and empower many to join important conversations in the sciences, arts, economics, business, and politics, allowing a great diversity of opinions to have an international impact.

It is such a joy to work with talented students from many different backgrounds and cultures to equip them to pursue their educational goals and dreams and to become their friend and colleague along the way. My current passion is STEM writing and networking across campus to provide the best experience and resources for my students.”

Layla, Instructor

"I love working with international students because I myself am international. I like knowing people from different countries and cultures because they bring strengths into the program. I love being in contact with the students and being able to make a difference in their lives and to help them achieve their goals.

My advice for international students is that you bring a different set of values and culture into the picture that impacts how you relate to others and you can learn from each other. You have a blessing and a gift; you should use it."

Loni, Instructor

“What I love most about working with international students is that I get to meet people from all over the world and I get to learn about different cultures and different ways of thinking and perceiving the world through my interactions with them. I love languages and I really like comparing how we communicate in English and how students would say that in their own language.

My best academic tip would be to dedicate yourself to using English. The people who are really successful are the ones who branch outside of their native language and use English as much as they can.”

Megan, Pathway Curriculum Supervisor and Instructor

“I love building relationships with my students and helping them get used to living in a new culture and a new educational environment. I also love that it’s a cultural exchange, and I get to learn more about them and where they are from. I love the creative aspect of my job. I love looking for new resources and creating new materials and assignments. I’m always thinking about what my students need and what types of activities or resources we could use in order to meet those needs.”