Petroleum engineering junior Feiting Long perspired as if he’d recently emerged from a tunnel connecting the University to his native Chengdu in Western China. Though the Louisiana heat seemed to get the best of him, he said it’s just an annoyance one learns to appreciate when living in the state.
“Before I came here, I did a lot of research on LSU and the weather and I knew it’d be very hot,” Long said. “I just found the campus to be a very beautiful and I chose to come here.”
As the most populous countries in the world, China and India also rank as the top two in international student populations at the University — the countries sent 392 and 210 students last spring, respectively, according to the International Services office. The next closest was Iran with 94. These students learn to adapt to Louisiana culture and climate during their tenure at the University.
Prior to coming to the United States two summers ago, Long said his cousin, who lived in Houston, suggested he attend one of three schools: LSU, the University of Houston or the University of Colorado. Long ultimately chose LSU for its high-ranking petroleum engineering department, affordable tuition and fees and for the state’s subtropical climate. Though the initial transition from China to the U.S. was tough, it manageable due to the hospitality he received upon arrival.
“People back home told me it would be hard because, you know, the language is different,” Long said. “But I found it not too hard because the people here are friendly.”
Long said English classes and social events provided by international students organizations like the International Cultural Center and Chinese Students and Scholars Association helped him assimilate into Louisiana. They also assisted with moving and scheduling classes for the fall semester.
“Through those groups I met so many friends from different countries,” Long said. “After a while, I no longer felt lonely since all my friends and family were back in China.”
However, adapting to the food here was more of a challenge for him.
“The food back home is different, and the first time I came here I ate McDonald’s for a month,” Long said. “I eventually found an apartment where I could cook my own food.”
This summer has been quite eventful, Long said. Besides school, he’s spent time fishing, playing tennis, swimming at the UREC and partying with friends. He also plans to visit Pensacola, Fla., or Houston before the semester begins.
As for the heat, he’s still learning to adapt.
“It’s hot, but there’s nothing you can do about it. I love the weather,” Long said.