MEDIA, Pa. — Shams Zia, a third-year business major, is far from the average student. A standout member of Penn State Brandywine’s community, he traveled all the way from Bangladesh to pursue his dream of becoming a business owner — and, along the way, becoming an inspiring leader for other students chasing similar goals.
As one might imagine, moving across the world to attend school is no easy feat. It often takes passion and resilience to leave behind the life you know in pursuit of a new one.
“The biggest adjustment was learning to navigate life independently. Being far from home means you figure out everything on your own, from academics to daily decisions,” said Zia. “It pushed me to become more resilient, but it also showed me how important it is to build a new support system wherever you go.”
This longing for a support system is what drew Zia to Penn State Brandywine, he said.
“As an international student, I wanted to go to school somewhere that felt supportive and personal but still connected to a larger university. Brandywine gave me that balance. It felt like a place where people actually know you, where faculty are approachable and where I could grow without feeling lost in a huge system,” he said.
That sense of community mattered most to Zia, he explained, leading him to get involved with Brandywine’s Multilingual and International Student Programs, which are dedicated to helping new international students navigate the logistics of enrollment while also connecting them with engaging campus activities and opportunities for involvement.
“I became involved early in my time at Brandywine once I realized how important community is for students who are far from home. I wanted to connect with others going through similar experiences and eventually help make that transition easier for new students,” he said.
Zia said he knew he wanted to be there to help others, just as they once did for him. He has since taken on a leadership role within the program where he takes on several initiatives to help other students.
“As a student coordinator, I help organize cultural events, lead Global Dialogues and support initiatives that bring students from different backgrounds together. That means planning discussions, coordinating logistics, promoting events and creating spaces where people feel comfortable sharing their stories and perspectives,” he said.
His involvement in the program not only strengthen skills transferable to business administration but also brings him personal fulfilment, he added, knowing he is making a difference in others’ lives.
“One of the most meaningful parts has been seeing students feel included. When someone tells me an event helped them feel less alone or more connected to campus, that really stays with me. It reminds me that community spaces truly matter,” he said.
Zia recalled one experience he said he will always hold close to his heart.
“My favorite memory was the Iftar we hosted last year. Iftar is the meal Muslims share to break their fast during Ramadan, and it is usually something we do with family. Being able to share that moment at Brandywine with the friends and community I’ve found meant a lot to me. It felt like a piece of home in a place that has become another home,” he said.
Experiences like these are what Zia and the Multilingual and International Student Programs strive to create for students.
When asked what advice he has for new multilingual or international students trying to find their place, Zia responded, “Take the first step even if it feels uncomfortable. Go to events, introduce yourself, ask questions and give yourself time to adjust. Finding your place does not happen overnight, but the more you engage, the more opportunities and friendships you will find.”
To learn more about Multilingual and International Student Programs, reach out to Coordinator Debbie Lamb Ousey at dlo4@psu.edu, or connect with Zia on campus.