From ALI to SDSU
Ali Hassen Al-Emadi, an international student from Qatar, was admitted to SDSU after spending a semester in the American Language Institute.
For Ali Hassen Al-Emadi, his journey was both more than 8,000 miles long, and as short as crossing Hardy Avenue.
Al-Emadi was admitted to San Diego State University as an international student from Qatar, but he began his SDSU experience this past fall semester at the American Language Institute, or ALI, on campus.
“I have liked the idea of California since I was I child,” Al-Emadi said, talking about the motivation for the longer of his two journeys.
“I talked to some friends in San Diego and looked at my options. I chose San Diego State because it is the biggest of the universities here.”
But why did he come all the way from Qatar — a country that has adopted the American university system — in the first place?
Seeking independence, finding friends
“Many students choose to study in the United Stated rather than in Qatar or their home countries because they want to become more independent,” Al-Emadi said. On top of that, fluency in English is highly valued in Arabic-speaking Qatar, he noted — especially with employers.
Initially, Al-Emadi had intended to enroll for a degree program at SDSU without spending a semester at the ALI, but now he says he wouldn’t want to miss out on the ALI experience, because it allowed him to get a smooth start to student life. “I was able to get familiar with the city and didn’t have to stress out too much. I did pretty well and my grades were great.”
The ALI also took on the role as facilitator of international relationships for the Qatar native. Al-Emadi went far beyond learning how to communicate with people from other cultures.
“I have a friend from China now and made friends from all over the world at the ALI,” he said.
With good grades in his pocket, and the English proficiency requirements met, Al-Emadi applied for admission at SDSU, where he plans to major in construction engineering. He said that waiting back home for the result of his application was the hardest part.
When Al-Emadi received his notice of admission, he again made the 17-hour flight back to California. Amidst the buzz of voices from nations from across the globe, Al-Emadi said he is thrilled to be back at SDSU.
And, with a big smile on his face, he added, “It’s all about the experience.”
