Eric Wafula

Hello! My name is Eric, and I’m a second year Master’s student in the English Department, focusing on Applied English Linguistics. I grew up in Kitale, a diverse town in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. I am fluent in English, Swahili, and several Luhya dialects. Prior to my arrival in Madison, I was a Fulbright scholar at Yale, teaching Swahili and participating in numerous cultural exchange initiatives. These experiences have made me acutely aware of the obstacles international students encounter in their quest for quality higher education. They have also fueled my desire to collaborate with others to devise solutions, drawing on my own successful navigation of similar challenges. It is with the understanding that international students come from varied backgrounds and face distinct challenges that I decided to join ISSAB. As a member of ISSAB, my goal is to bridge the gap between these students and the university, ensuring that international students are recognized, and their perspectives are both heard and appreciated. My time in the U.S. has equipped me with extensive experience in addressing the typical challenges international students face, through empathy, open dialogue, and consultation. I am confident in my ability to be a valuable asset to both the university and the student body, contributing to the success of international students on campus. I eagerly anticipate a rewarding collaboration with you all.