The University of Arkansas at Monticello will soon see the formation of an International Club. Interested parties met in Harris Hall Thursday, Feb. 22, to discuss the formation of the club. 

   “We are going to develop an organization that educates our campus community and assists our international students,” said Mary Whiting, director of admissions and driving force behind the formation of the club. 

   UAM averages between 12 and 25 international students per semester, many from far away countries such as Israel, Colombia, Azerbaijan and the Philippines. Whiting said she thinks the campus community wants to know more about these students. 

   Other campuses already support well-established organizations for international students. 

   Computer Information Systems Instructor and Registrar’s Assistant Hagit Fendley, an Israel native, recalls her experiences with a similar organization on another campus. 

   “We almost developed a second home for international students,” Fendley said. 

   Some initial ideas to educate UAM students about the countries from which the international students come include a potluck dinner and a display that would highlight items from and information about the international students’ homelands. 

   Plans for a follow-up meeting to discuss the future of the International Club are already underway. 

   Fore more information about the International Club, contact Mary Whiting by e-mail at whitingm@uamont.edu or by phone at 870-460-1026.