Hi everyone! I'm Yehalah and I'm a '26 coming all the way from Colombo, Sri Lanka. My academic passions lie in Energy Engineering and Environmental Studies. I am a first-generation and low-income student, actively involved with the community. I love to paint and read during my free time. I'm excited that you're here, and I hope you enjoy this account of my life at Dartmouth!
Taking an art class has long been a dream of mine. Drawing 1 with Professor Enrico Riley exceeded my expectations greatly! He is an inspiring instructor who allowed us creative freedom, while guiding us in the right direction. We drew in different forms of charcoal, with colour introduced towards the end of the term. I loved my experience and I cannot wait to take another Studio Art class!
The sequel to Drawing 1 with Professor Enrico Riley! We worked in oil paint, which I was completely new to and admittedly afraid to use. I ended up falling in love with the medium and the flexibility it gave me to adjust and refine my paintings at any point in the process. I am sad to finish this class and I hope I get to take another Studio Art class in the future!
Moving to America was a drastic adjustment, especially considering the difference in perception of race and ethnicity. This class gave me a insight into past and current American oppression against Black and Indigenous communities. I loved how much I learnt through this class, which was also my First Year Seminar requirement.
My first language class at Dartmouth! Taking German was intimidating, especially because of the fast-paced and rigorous learning method that Dartmouth uses. It was so interesting to learn the different grammar and rules used in the German language. I cannot wait to use my Beginner German skills in Berlin next Spring!
The Sacred Architecture of Asia is one of the most incredible courses I have taken at Dartmouth! The course is primarily discussion-based, with Professor Seher explaining and initiating conversation about the course material. The material assigned was incredibly inspiring and taught me so much about South Asian religions and their beginnings. Everywhere I travel now, I think about the lessons I have learnt in this class and I am truly grateful to Professor Seher for facilitating an incredible learning experience!
Learning about German history in Berlin was a great way to explore the city and culture! The class had weekly excursions where we visited important sites in Berlin, which was so informative and helpful. Overall, I learnt so many new aspects of Germany and the people who played a significant role in German history.
SummerPerrysburg, Ohio
Interning at First Solar, a solar panel manufacturing company! I work on the Application Engineering team under Product Management, developing ways to better serve our clients and enhance our products. It has been an amazing experience so far, I have learnt so much and I am so grateful for this opportunity!
Having an on-campus job was a priority for me when coming to Dartmouth and I was extremely worried about not being able to work. If you have the same worries, keep reading!
As an international student on an F-1 visa, I am allowed to work for a maximum of 20 hours. The time restriction is an important element to pay attention to as working more than this will create problems with your visa status.
The other important aspect is that the job you are employed in needs to be an on-campus job that is being paid by Dartmouth College. What this means is that you cannot be employed by any organization not under a Dartmouth College payroll. For example, you cannot work in Hanover for any store or restaurant! As an admissions blogger, I am paid by the college.
Fear not, this does not reduce your chance of getting a job! There are countless on-campus jobs that international students can apply for. I have many international friends who work at a wide variety of jobs on campus. You can work as a student photographer, a note-taker for Accessibility Services, and many more! You can also work at Dartmouth Dining Services which includes the dining halls and cafes around campus. The Student Worker Collective at Dartmouth is one of the only student worker unions at the undergraduate level in the country.
In order to be employed on campus, you need a Social Security Number (SSN). This may sound like a daunting process, but it is made an easy one by the Office of Visa and Immigration Services (OVIS). You only need to submit an online application and then OVIS will take all the international students on a bus trip to Concord to get an SSN! I just went on this bus trip last week and it was an extremely smooth process, only taking five minutes per person in the office. I hope this answered your questions about working as an international student and see you next week!
Felipe and I on the bus trip to get our Social Security Numbers!
Learn about the different programs Dartmouth offers prospective students to explore campus life, learn about Dartmouth, and enjoy an all-expenses paid trip to Hanover!
In addition to blogging, I work as a Fellow for the Tucker Center, which focuses on promoting spiritual and ethical life on campus. As part of this role, I'm leading the Interfaith Alternative Spring Break Trip. Read on to learn more about my work!
