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Last academic year, Portland State had more international students than any other Oregon university. Have you ever wondered how these students feel about starting college in a new culture far from home? SUE LING ONG—just 17 years old—came to PSU from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She is now a confident sophomore.

Q: When you first got to PSU did you have any preconceptions that needed correcting?

A: I love dressing up and thought Americans did too, at least from TV. People here are not about fashion. I saw people wearing clothes similar to pajamas. I asked myself, "Where am I?" I guess the answer is, not in New York City.

Q: How has it gone academically?

A: I have a really good physics class that is hard. The professor failed half the class the first term, and there is so much homework. (Sue Ling earned all A's in physics, took other core classes, held down two jobs, and won an International Culture Service Program Scholarship from PSU.)

Q: What do you miss most from home besides family?

A: The food. There are foods of many different countries in Kuala Lumpur. I also miss the warm weather. I really layer up here. People must think I am crazy.