University of Southern California - El Rodeo Yearbook (Los Angeles, CA)

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TIS n SMALL UUORLD use boasts the largest interna- tional population of any university in the U.S. with students from more than 117 countries enrolled on a full- time basis. The presence of the in- ternational students lends to the great diversity at USC. Students, staff, and faculty have the unique opportunity to experience the dif- ferent customs and practices of var- ious cultures.

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Ptxrtos by Rex Price Clockw ise, from top left: Services are held at the University Religious Center; The Little Chapel of Silence, nestled in the Town and Gown courtyard offers a place to go when you are in need; Noontime at Tommy Trojan always seems to offer some type of religious experience, from enthusiastic preachers to the ' Moon- ies ' to the Hari Krishnas; Modem pieces of art add to the atmosphere in the Religious Center In such a large university as USC there will be many questions asked by students, and faculty. To answers these queries, the School of Reli- gion offers courses of insight for the pondering individuals. The undergraduate majoring in Religion has nine divisions from which to study: Old Testament, New Testament, World Religions, Sociology of Religion, Psychology of Religion, Philosophy of Religion, Theology, Ethics, and Church His- tory. Students also have the opportuni- ty to take courses at the Hebrew Union College and receive USC course credit. This broadens the field of study and gives the student more diversity with his degree. In addition, a minor in the study of Re- ligion is offered, which gives the student increased diversity in gra- duating from USC in preparation for choosing a career field Not affiliated with the United Uni- versity Church or any other religious organization, the Religion School of- fers different approaches to the questions which students face when entering the university and when they prepare for the working world. At the end of the semester, some students leave the class satisfied. Others are only more dissatisfied at the professors implications. Who gives him her the authority to assign a grade to one ' s beliefs? A class may be taken to fulfill a general educa- tion requirement, but when it chal- lenges one ' s convictions and lifestyle, even more questions arise. Questions about the Religion School itself. fry Ruth Ruiz Student Life 27

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Ptiotos by Alexis IgnaMeff Top Left:Foreign students enjoy studying together.Top Mldd- le:Two African students take a study breal . Top Right: Asian students interact outside of VKC ciassrooms. Above: Many for- eign students live in off-campus student l ousing. Bottem: VKC is a popular place foreign students go to study. Many problems face the interna- tional student ' s entrance into an American campus for the first time. The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) is dedicated to providing special programs for inter- action between the American and international students. There are many organizations and clubs on campus especially for the foreign students at USC. There are over 20 different nationality organi- zations, such as the USC Troy Philip- pines, the Pakistani Club, and the German Students Association. There is also an International Conversation Club and a newspaper published especially for international students called the international Student News. The International Peer Advocates serve as counselors for foreign stu- dents, helping them adjust to their new life in the United States. Work- ing with OISS, the Peer Advocates work in assisting students with problems that may arise when enter- ing an American campus for the first time. Mastering the English lan- guage, becoming accustomed to the different varities of food, and parti- cipating in American customs may be very difficult for international students. They may feel that they have to forfeit their country ' s cus- toms to fit in with the American stu- dents at USC. Peer Advocates help them to live with both. USC is proud to have a large inter- national population. The foreign students, as well as the American students, benefit from the cross-cul- ture experience. by Lisa Mock Student Life 29