Campus internationalization notable

Oghomwen Ehigie graduates with a degree in Sociology and Social Anthropology.

When Oghomwen (pronounced: oh-ga-may) Ehigie was finishing high school, she considered university in her native Lagos, Nigeria. But her sister, who had graduated from the University of Lethbridge, promoted the benefits of her Canadian education. Their parents agreed.

At her family´s behest, Oghomwen searched for just the right school by checking out calendars and Web sites. She was initially attracted to Dalhousie because of the "beautiful stone buildings, the ivy - and Dalhousie had a good reputation. The tuition was also reasonably priced, compared to some other universities -- and I had never been here." So she came here for her Arts studies. (She is a double major, in Philosophy and Sociology and Social Anthropology.)

One of the highlights of her four-year university career was an academic year studying at Oxford University. After seeing a poster in the Registrar´s Office, she applied to study at the fabled British university "on a whim." Much to her delight, she was accepted for a year she describes as "awesome" and a "great learning experience."

While in England, she spoke favourably about her studies at Dalhousie and got the Oxford Study Abroad Program (OSAP) interested in formalizing their relationship at Dal. The positive impression she created, and work she did with the International Students and Exchange Office upon her return, helped create a new, formal exchange program that starts officially in September 2005.

Oghomwen has created a lasting impression both at Oxford and at Dal´s International Student and Exchange Office, where she works as a part-time student assistant. As Melissa Ferguson, international student advisor, says, "When the OSAP director, Michael Talbot, writes to me, he always ends the letters with ´Please give my regards to Oghomwen.´ That says it all. She is a wonderful ambassador for Dalhousie and has left a lasting impression at a great British university."

Oghomwen received a Board of Governors Award for her "contributions to the internationalization of the campus." She was "excited" and surprised by the commendation.

Set to graduate with an BA on May 30, Oghomwen is considering law school or graduate studies in sociology and social anthropology. She is taking the next year off to ponder her options and make money. Right now, her most urgent priority is "getting a job." She hopes to land a position in international education or exchange programs or in the media - in radio, print or television.

Oghomwen, who belonged to several student societies, has enjoyed her time at Dal greatly. "I have met wonderful people here. That´s the best part of the experience."