International Student Profile

Nisha Soman

Major: Communication Studies

Where are you from?

I was born in India, but was raised in Bahrain. Bahrain is paradise in the Middle East! I moved to the United States in 1999.

What are you studying at UNI?

My major is Communication Studies and the topic of my research paper is “Parental Regulation of Children’s TV Consumption.” I’m currently compiling final data from the surveys I’ve handed out and will be analyzing the results.

What would you like to do when you receive your degree?

Hopefully, I would like to pursue my career in voiceover work or in broadcast media by taking a position as a radio station’s newsreader.

Why did you choose UNI for your graduate education?

It’s funny how many times I’ve been asked this question because I really don’t have a concrete answer for this. When I was working back in Bahrain from 2003-04, I had applied to some colleges, but didn’t get accepted. In the fall of 2004, there was an exhibition for students who want to pursue higher studies in the United States. UNI was one of the booths at the presentation. I casually applied thinking I would be rejected by this university, but three weeks later I got the great news that I’d received admission. I was all the more excited that this university was located in the Midwest! Before I knew it, I resigned from work and came over here to study in January 2005. It’s nothing but God’s grace that got me an admission here.

What do you like best about the area or the campus?

It just looks amazing when the weather changes every season. The university is easily accessible to students to get from one point to another.

What do you like to do for fun?

I love spending time with my family and friends, watching movies, surfing the web, bowling, and my absolute favorite -- listening to Indian and Arabic music.

Is there anything unusual you have found living in the United States?

Well there are too many to list if I start with that because we’re looking at two or three entirely different cultures. In a nutshell all I can say is that I’ve absolutely loved my time here in this country and the various experiences I’ve learned going to college here and mingling with Americans, who in my opinion are some of the most friendliest people in the entire universe.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I definitely want to mention that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at UNI and I’m going to miss it terribly when I graduate this May. I’m not sure if it is a UNI thing or an Iowa thing, but I’m in love with the people here because they are so welcoming, hospitable, friendly, warm and down-to-earth. They are always there for you with a helping hand. From the several states I’ve visited, I don’t think there are people in any part of the U.S. compared to Iowans. I never felt this kind of warmth during my four years in Chicago when I was doing my BA. Hence I would prefer even one day here compared to being in another state for a year.