Interested in supporting international students at UVU, donate to the International Student Scholarship Fund.
International students thrive in UVU’s vibrant academic atmosphere that allows them to share their gifts and talents with classmates and faculty while carving out their own individual niche as students. Almost daily, international students are extended opportunities to discover and develop their scholarly passions through the institution’s unique emphasis on engaged learning.
However, international students also face hurdles that most students don’t. Due to federal regulations, international students must pay out-of-state tuition for the duration of their enrollment at UVU; they cannot obtain residency for purposes of tuition. International students, for the most part, also cannot work when they are studying in the U.S. and must rely on a limited availability of part-time campus employment.
Kevin De Paz Negrete is a symbol of dedication, discipline, and focus. Raised by a single mother, Kevin had to learn about responsibility at a very young age. Being the only child, Kevin became the only support for his mother, which taught him to work hard. At fourteen years old, Kevin started his own clothing store in Mexico City that led him to widen his dreams and aspirations.
Kevin, inspired by his entrepreneurial spirit, decided to enroll at UVU in search of more opportunities. At UVU, he found skills that he never thought he had. UVU has helped him through its emphasis on engaged learning, real world experiences in classes, and opportunities to acquire new languages and develop leadership skills.
Because of his great dedication and involvement, Kevin has been granted a scholarship as part of the International Student Council and will be mentoring students at UVU. “Being awarded with something like this represents a huge responsibility. That is why I give the best of me to everything I do,” he said.
“UVU has helped me expand my world and capabilities. I am really happy to be part of this great and diverse institution,” Kevin said.
As a child growing up on the streets of Lagos, Nigeria, Victoria dreamed of someday changing the world by helping everyone around her. While working at the grassroots level to bring healthcare to her local community, her passion for service and excellent work ethic singled her out for an opportunity to study nursing at UVU as an undergraduate.
At UVU, Victoria has been an exceptional student, true to her dreams. She works with the UVU Inclusion committee, the International Student Council, Academic Tutoring, and Science and Health departments to help other students achieve academic excellence and have a richer college experience.
Victoria owes her deepest gratitude to UVU’s inclusivity that accepts her and offers her a place to be her best. She has loved and enjoyed the community and belonging that UVU and nursing school has provided her ever since she left her home and family.
“I see friends everywhere at UVU; along the hallways, in the classrooms and offices,” Victoria shared. “I would not have made it this far without them. People who truly care about you and your success, that’s family right there.”
Although Henintsoa is from Madagascar, she grew up in Kenya, which she also calls home. Both countries are rich in their flora and fauna. However, concerned about the ongoing environmental degradation, she resolved to pursue a degree that would help her to preserve the environment.
From her very first year at college, Henintsoa has been involved with undergraduate research under UVU’s Earth Sciences Department and highly appreciated how the faculty have been so encouraging and helpful towards mentoring her. She was also elected as her department’s Outstanding Student of the Year.
“I can confidently say that I would not have gained the skill set I have today if not for UVU,” Henintsoa said. “For instance, I have been able to attend several national conferences all over the country to present my research, which was funded by UVU’s Engaged Learning Program.
She is also a member of the International Student Council. “I am very humbled to be part of the International Student Council, through which not only could I help my fellow international students, but also gain valuable leadership experience.”
Vinicius was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil. At age 18, he moved to the United States to learn English and further his education. In the fall of 2009, he attended Utah Valley University, where he obtained an English as a Second Language diploma and an associate degree in general science.
During his academic career at UVU, he was elected as the Vice President of the International Student Council. Through this opportunity, he had the privilege to return to Brazil as part of a business trade mission. Vinicius worked alongside the governor of Utah to recruit prospective students by conducting lectures, which strengthened the international student exchange relationship.
In 2012, Vinicius married his wife, Cristyane Vilatiano, and had a child in December 2014. He then enlisted in the United States Army in February 2015 and went on to attend basic combat training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He then attended advanced individual training at Fort Sam Houston in Texas, where I gained my MOS 68X, Behavioral Health Specialist. After that, he was assigned to hsi first duty station, A Company, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center.
Vinicius is currently assigned to EBH 4 Soldier Behavioral Health Services, where he screens patients during triage, conducts Fort Hood Behavioral Health clearings, establishes access to care, conducts initial appointments, and manages clinical operations. In January 2017, Vinicius won the CRDAMC Soldier of the Year award, and in April 2017, he was the first runner up for the Regional Health Command- Central Best Warrior competition.
Vinicius' short-term goal is to be accepted into the Green to Gold program for the fall semester. His long-term goals are to obtain a bachelor’s degree in international business and pursue a career as an Army officer.
