Category: English Language Institute
Creating a home-away-from-home on campus
August 28, 2026 Written by Kaitlyn Diehl | Photos provided by Lena Alrowais, Hana Ahmed and the 2025 MSA board
Through multicultural and faith-based student organizations, international students at the ELI find community on the University of Delaware campus.
One of the most difficult challenges students face while studying overseas is adjusting to a new culture and way of life. Homesickness ensues, and students find themselves missing familiar comforts and a community of like-minded individuals.
At the University of Delaware (UD) there are multiple ways international students can find a little piece of home on campus. The English Language Institute (ELI) curates a welcoming environment, and student-led clubs, formally called registered student organizations (RSOs), create another “home-away-from-home” space.
Staying connected to one’s culture
Though UD offers an expansive range of RSOs, multicultural organizations are one of the best ways for ELI students to stay connected to their roots. For Gulf Region students, the Omani Student Association (OSA), Saudi Student Association (SSA) and the Middle Eastern Student Association (MESA) are just a few of the organizations actively embracing and celebrating the cultures of the area.
ELI alumna, Lena Alrowais, founded the Saudi Student Association. After graduating from the ELI with the first cohort of female students in the SABIC program, she matriculated into the University of Delaware to study computer science. As a freshman, she did not know any other Saudis on campus and missed having a community. When more Saudi students arrived in subsequent years, Alrowais created SSA. As the first president of the organization, her goal was to make students feel welcomed and included on campus.
“I know that even if Saudi students feel really comfortable and happy at UD, they still miss home,” Alrowais said. “My goal is to give them the opportunity to feel a sense of community and home by doing events that remind them of who they are. It's not only for Saudis; it's also to show other UD students what Saudi culture is. We're proud of it.”
SSA hosts a range of events, including Saudi holiday celebrations, fundraising drives, religious gatherings and more.
“One of the events we hosted was a watch party for a soccer match for a really famous club in Saudi Arabia,” said Alrowais.
Many ELI students turned out for that event, enjoying snacks and fellowship while cheering for their favorite team.
The Omani Student Association similarly offers a refuge for Omani students. Shathan Al Qassabi, an ELI alumnus and current sophomore studying finance at UD, serves as treasurer.
“In that role, I plan events and take care of the organization alongside the president and vice president,” said Al Qassabi. “We collaborate with other Middle Eastern student organizations, like the Muslim Student Association (MSA), by hosting events together.”
Both organizations frequently partner with each other, and with other organizations representing the region, on events and other programs.
“We collaborated with the Omani Student Association for an aid event, and it was really fun,” said Alrowais. “We also collaborated with the Middle Eastern Student Association by co-hosting an Iftar event for Ramadan as well as participating in their culture night this past April. Being a part of that big annual event was really nice.”
Muslim organizations help students focus on their faith
Besides cultural communities, Gulf Region students can find a place to practice their faith while on campus. There are more than five active organizations dedicated to the Muslim faith, including the Graduate Muslim Student Associate (Grad MSA), the Muslim Student Association (MSA), the Muslim Association for Development in Religious Academia and Scholarly Achievement (MADRASA), the Muslim Women Scholars (MWS) and the Association of Muslimahs in Academics Nurturing our Aqeeda (AMANA).
These RSOs create a safe space for Muslim students to engage in discussions about Islam, study the Quran, raise money for meaningful causes, take field trips to mosques and more.
Every Friday during the fall and spring semesters, MSA hosts a sermon and prayer service for students. Thanks to the organization’s advocacy, students can prepare for the service by using washing/ablution stations installed on campus.
During Ramadan, many of these clubs co-host Iftar meals and Eid celebrations, often catered by local Halal restaurants. ELI students always attend these events, and co-host their own with the help of our faculty and staff.
Community that lives on
As much as it is important to embrace English and learn about American culture, we encourage students to stay connected to their roots. With the help of student-run organizations, Gulf Region students can navigate culture shock in a safe environment, practice their faith and celebrate their cultures.
And the best part? ELI students who plan to matriculate into the University of Delaware for undergraduate or graduate studies will already have an established community when they arrive!
