The U.S. Experience at Hartwick

International Student Adilyam Imyarova ’27 shares her experience at Hartwick.

Adilyam Imyarova, a junior in the three-year program majoring in criminal justice and sociology, shared her story of how she received immense support when she came to the U.S. from Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Before coming to Hartwick, Imyarova’s mother, a visiting professor, had been invited to teach at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, on two separate occasions. Imyarova accompanied her mother on both occasions at ages 5 and 16, giving her an early glimpse at her future transition to the U.S.

Once Imyarova completed high school in Kazakhstan, she was ready for college. She described her college search as a seemingly endless comparison of dozens of schools. Until she discovered Hartwick College—a place that would lead to opportunities like no other. Hartwick stood out for its “small campus size” and the support it offered.

First impressions can be everything and for Imyarova, it was positive and personal right from the beginning. She was welcomed by the members of the Center for Global Education, Noah Goldblatt and Sarah Busche, along with the Global Ambassadors. This global team provided help with moving in and transportation to various places for essentials and local field trips. And even after helping her settle in, the global team would check in frequently, asking how she was doing and making sure the early stages of her college experience were going well.

The support extended to her faculty as well. Imyarova said that her professors have been extremely helpful, often going out of their way to make sure students are supported and prepared to succeed. Through her association with the Institute of Public Service, she works closely with professors Laurel Elder, Zachary McKenney and Matthew Chick.
Imyarova describes the institute as “a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with local government to engage young people in our democracy and prepare a new generation of public leaders.”

The institute has allowed Imyarova to get hands-on experience in local government and civic engagement. Interested in law, but still unsure what job she would pursue after college, she said, “I will certainly go on to pursue my master’s or Ph.D. in criminology or women’s and gender studies.”

Her passion, strengthened through continued support, allowed her to engage in Moot court competitions, and she had the honor of being selected as the very first Senator Seward Public Service Intern. She said that these experiences have helped broaden her understanding of the Constitution and democracy in the U.S., proving how rewarding her experience has been.

Support can be a key aspect of a students’ experience and their academic performance. Imyarova said that once her mother met Goldblatt, Busche, Hartwick College President James (Jim) Mullen, and other members of the Hartwick family, she felt more at ease letting Imyarova go on her own journey. “She knew that these people would support me throughout my career here,” Imyarova said.

Imyarova’s advice for students going outside their country and comfort zone is to “Just go for it. I understand that there may be uncertainties and there may be a level of fear of going abroad, but I would say just be brave and go for it because. If you have the drive to study abroad, you should definitely take a chance because you will always be supported and welcomed here at Hartwick.”

International Students Bryan Bole ’29 and Luca Riesch ’29 reflect on their semester at Hartwick.

International students Bryan Bole ’29 and Luca Riesch ’29 found that Hartwick College offered more than just classes; it became their American experience. Through partnerships with the Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg Stuttgart (DHBW Stuttgart), Germany, and the Paris Graduate School of Digital Innovation, commonly known as EPITECH, in France, students like Bole and Riesch not only receive an education but also immerse themselves in campus life. Through these programs, Bole will spend a full academic year at Hartwick, while Riesch will spend one semester.

In selecting Hartwick, Bole, and Riesch had very different reasons for how they ended up on Oyaron Hill. Bole was looking for the kind of U.S. college experience that he had always pictured. “I found Hartwick after much research,” he said. It looked good compared to other schools that offered a business major. Riesch, on the other hand, chose Hartwick through the partnership with DHBW. He said through the partnership, “it was easy to get here” because of all the help and organization that was provided.

Bole and Riesch were welcomed to campus a week earlier than domestic students. Upon arrival, Bole’s first impression was that while Hartwick’s campus didn’t seem busy from the outside, looks can be deceiving; the college was full of students studying and working across campus. He thought to himself, “Too many people!” He was also amazed by the number of extracurriculars, like the student-led clubs and sports teams. “It’s impressive,” he said.

During that first week, the Center for Global Education guided them through orientation and daily life in the U.S. The students visited Albany, explored Oneonta and attended a barbecue hosted by Provost Laurel Bongiorno. “They did a lot of activities for us, like pizza night, games, things that helped us meet new people,” said Bole.

Both students said the transition from Europe to the U.S. has been exciting, even when facing culture shock. Riesch explained, “In Europe, you live alone or at home. Then you go to campus, study there, do your studies, and then you go back home.” In comparison to the U.S college system, where “you live here, and you have your people here.”

Bole added, “Your life is around college. It’s not the case in Europe. So, it’s a bit of a change for us.” They’ve also discovered a few surprises, especially when it comes to food. Riesch said, “At first, I didn’t know what to pick in the Commons. There were burgers and fries everywhere. Now I eat healthier. I just had to get used to it!”

Hartwick offered plenty of ways to get involved. And Bole and Riesch jumped right in! They joined the campus radio club, WRHO, and the International Club. Bole has shown great interest in joining the school’s cross-country team because of his love for running. Riesch joked that he’s not a runner but enjoys the on-campus gym. At Hartwick, they’ve gained both lessons and memories that define their American experience.

For international students thinking about making the same journey they did, Riesch and Bole offered the following advice. Riesch admitted he was worried about making friends at first, but Global Education helped him connect quickly. “Global Education helped a lot to make friends very quickly,” he said.

Boles encouraged international students to connect with others. “Don’t stay in your room, “ he said. “Go discover another person. Join clubs, as it’s a good occasion to discover new people.”

And if a language barrier is holding you back, Riesch offers this advice. “Even if it’s not working for you to speak English, you will get more comfortable over time,” he said. “Don’t be shy to speak English just because you think it’s not perfect.”

For Bole and Riesch, Hartwick has been more than classrooms and campus events. It has been a gateway to friendships, cultural discovery and a deeper understanding of the U.S. Exactly the kind of experience they were looking for.