UMO International Student Receives a Visit from Home
MOUNT OLIVE – University of Mount Olive freshmen Oskar Gabrielsson of Sweden had a welcome visit this week from his father, Fredrick, and his grandfather, Ove.
Oskar came to UMO to study business and play golf. Thousands of miles from home, he found the people at UMO to be friendly and helpful in making the transition.
“Coming to America was a big step,” he said. “I’ve actually never been away from my family for more than a few weeks at one time. However, the students and faculty at UMO have been very welcoming. I have gotten in good with a few of the players on the golf team. Now, they are almost like a family.”
While at UMO, Oskar has met five other students from Sweden, a few of whom are also golfers.
“Small world,” he said.
This year’s UMO student body includes international students representing 35 countries. Since 2009, the number of international students has grown by 261 percent. To help these students transition, the University provides numerous resources including the Academic Resource Center and the Writing Center. The freshman ADV course also helps students interact with fellow freshmen and the Mount Olive community.
As for Oskar’s dad and grandad, they could not be more proud of Oskar and his accomplishments. Although they keep in touch through skype, Snap Chat, and FaceTime, a little visit to America this week was a welcome surprise.
“This is our second visit to the school,” said Fredrick. “But certainly not our last.”
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Goldsboro, Research Triangle Park, Washington and Jacksonville. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
Seated University of Mount Olive freshmen Oskar Gabrielsson of Sweden received a welcome visit this week from his father, Fredrick (right), and his grandfather, Ove (left).