As hurricane season starts, UCF Global prepares to give support for all international students. Some freshman students at UCF that have never experienced hurricanes before say that they are nervous.
Gabriela da Cunha
UCF Global stepped up to support international students who have never experienced a hurricane before as Hurricane Idalia marked the beginning of hurricane season in Florida.
UCF is home to over 3,400 international students from 137 countries, according to the UCF Global website. Olga Arturo, academic director of pathway programs at UCF Global, said that first-time students in Florida are not always prepared for hurricane season, which stars in July and ends in November. Idalia was the first hurricane of the season to hit Florida on Wednesday.
"Normally, these kinds of events happen in fall, so it is always between one and two months that they arrive," Arturo said. "So for a lot of them, it is completely new in addition to being new here."
Arturo said UCF Global provides valuable assistance to international students by guiding them as they navigate the risks and behaviors associated with hurricanes. The organization also helps students with classes during unexpected university shutdowns and assists with housing and dining arrangements.
She said that depending on the severity of the hurricane and how much time they have, UCF Global distributes kits with water and supplies for students, and program advisors check on them continuously to ensure they are okay and comfortable.
"We have a routine check-in point with students where each advisor checks if the students are safe and not at risk," Arturo said.
With hurricane season starting, Pedro Machado, biomedical science major from Brazil, said he is nervous because he never experienced one before.
"Where I come from, we do not have hurricane season, and also, we do not usually have any other natural disasters," Machado said.
Machado also said he feels anxious about not knowing if there will be another stronger hurricane after Idalia. Despite feeling nervous, Machado said he is glad to receive emails and announcements from UCF.
"I think UCF is providing good support for first-time students because some people, like me, weren't sure what to buy, and UCF emails gave me directions on what to do," Machado said.
Nicole Rodriguez, freshman marketing major from Brazil, expressed that she is unsure of what to anticipate.
"We can predict nature only into a certain extent, and things can change very easily," Rodriguez said.
She also said that getting information from people she knows who have experienced hurricane season before has helped her be more prepared and feel safer.
"I also feel that being in Orlando helps as it is not in an ocean area, like Tampa Bay," Rodriguez said. "People made me feel more calm by describing what happens and what I can do to stay safe."
Joaquin Hidalgo, freshman business analytics major from Ecuador, said he is scared because he has never experienced a hurricane.
"I certainly have read about and understand how they work, but still, I'm very worried and nervous about what could happen, even if it's not the highest category hurricane," Hidalgo said.
Hidalgo said he did not feel mentally prepared for Hurricane Idalia. However, he and his friend bought a lot of food in case things got out of control.
"Nevertheless, I am confident in what UCF community has told me, which is what I shouldn't be worried at all because the buildings are pretty safe, and I will receive help if I need it," Hidalgo said.
Arturo said that international students might be worried about hurricane season, but the team is there to support them. She said that information is essential, so students must be tuned in to UCF Global emails.
"UCF Global always reaches out to all international students, so getting familiar with UCF Global emails is important," Arturo said. "Being advocated for students is important, and this is why UCF Global values so much the connection that we have with students."
