Navigator applications are currently open and will close on Apr. 4.
Navigators are the registered student organization serving as cultural ambassadors for the University of North Alabama’s Office of International Affairs (OIA).
“[They are] our first friends,” said Cala Flippo, assistant director of International Student Services and Success. “[Navigators are] probably one of my very favorite things that I do as a part of my job. We are creating leaders: cultural leaders and campus leaders”
Navigators ride the international affairs bus to the airport to pick up international students. They bring welcoming signs, help them with their luggage, take them to shop at Walmart and to get manecards, and more.
“Our domestic students usually have mom and dad, or friends or brothers and sisters who have been working all summer to get all their things together,” said Flippo. “But our students usually have the two suitcases that they can pack to get on a plane and come.”
Navigators also work directly with international student orientation and adaptation, as well as other office-related events such as Passport to the World, a yearly event where international students can showcase their country’s culture.
UNA Bachelor of Science in Psychology graduate Callie Murchison shared her navigator experience. She was a member for three years, serving as captain for two. Now, Murchinson is completing her Masters of Professional Studies while working for the OIA as an international services specialist.
“I got to gain a lot of leadership experience, and I also got to meet people from all over the world,” said Murchison. “I think everybody should get to learn a little bit about international education. That’s really important.”
Three-year navigator Abigail Dodson shared, “It’s the best thing ever. You get to meet people from all around the world, make friends and learn about different cultures.”
Ukrainian navigator Daria Starovoitova said, “As an international student myself, I understand those struggles of coming to a foreign country. And you’re just not familiar with culture language barrier, and a whole different set of struggles that we face every day. I think it is important for somebody [to] understand you. That’s why I became a navigator.”
Flippo encourages students who “want to make a difference in the lives of others” to apply to be navigators.
Application information can be found at www.una.edu/international/international-student-services/navigator.
