Ali Alkhamis

Saudi Arabia

2012 Graduate, Master's in International Economics

Ali first came to UNO and ILUNO Intensive English from Saudi Arabia in 2006. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in marketing with a minor in management in 2010. He then earned a master's degree in international economics in December 2012. He plans to work in international finance. Here's what Ali says about UNO:

I choose UNO simply because I had two cousins who studied at UNO in the 1980s. UNO was also recommended by our Ministry of Higher Education in Saudi Arabia.

I like UNO's open environment, where everyone is free to laugh, talk, and build relationships with other students, especially on campus. I like the unlimited activities that UNO and the ILUNO program provide to international students to get them more involved with all different kinds cultures, sports, and businesses. I like the advising staff; they give you the feeling that no matter what, they will be there for you.

It's hard to tell what I like the most about Omaha. Simply, I like Omaha's social environment; it gives me the comfortable feeling that I am always welcome no matter who am I and where I come from. I felt home as soon as I stepped out of the airplane.

Economically, Omaha has a low cost living, which is an important factor that all international students are concerned about.

Volleyball, riding my motorcycle, and riding horses are my favorite hobbies. At UNO, my favorite pastime was spending four years as a Global Diplomat, helping new international students get settled in Omaha.

In my opinion, when students are looking for a university to attend, they should make a check list that consists of the following items:

• Affordable cost of living
• Welcoming university environment
• Local attitudes about international cultures
• University program rankings
• Convenient transportation