International Student Profile: Ragad Alsaid
Ragad Alsaid is an HPU senior from Saudi Arabia. Photo submitted
By Elise Coby
Staff Writer
Ragad Alsaid is an international student at High Point University from Saudi Arabia. She is currently majoring in marketing. She is co-president of the Global Students Association and works for Campus Concierge.
Alsaid’s brother is an HPU alumnus, and his experience greatly influenced her decision to apply.
“My brother, Aziz Alsaid, went here and graduated last May,” said Alsaid. “He loved it, and from visiting him, I loved it too.”
Based on her three years at HPU, Alsaid discussed what she appreciates most about the university and the traditions she has made with friends.
“I like how there are many easy-access resources for anything you could think of,” said Alsaid. “My HPU tradition is having lunch almost every day at the cafe with my friends, as well as most of the exchange students every semester.”
Alsaid found a few things surprising about American culture.
“Students here do not stand up when they are called on in class, and they usually come to class in pajamas,” said Alsaid. “Also, the food portions here in the United States are huge.”
Alsaid discussed how the current health crisis and campus restrictions with COVID-19 are affecting her experience as an international student.
“I am currently unable to go back to Saudi Arabia because they have closed the border,” said Alsaid. “Thankfully, I have my family here during all of this. My dad and brother are back home, and they can not come to the U.S. right now. To deal with all of this stress and to help ease this quarantine, my family and I adopted a puppy.”
Alsaid was also unable to return home for spring break, given the time-consuming flight and the anticipated time of a week to adjust.
She shared what she misses most about her native culture and the traditions she follows.
“My whole family will get together because we have Friday prayer, just like a Sunday service,” said Alsaid. “After the prayer, we would eat fish and rice, and that was something we would strictly do every Friday. I miss hearing the call to prayer five times a day. I also miss the food.”
After graduation, Ragad plans to return to Saudi Arabia for a year. She wants to pursue her master’s degree in Spain.