A Bittersweet Goodbye: Celebrating the End of an Incredible Year and Cohort

Jul 30

By late July, most students begin to depart from Baltimore. This year, many students lingered, as they were not ready to depart just yet. However, they were able to close a chapter filled with growth, laughter, and unforgettable moments. To mark the end of this journey, students attended two special events that perfectly captured what this year has meant to our community.

The first was an end-of-year dinner in collaboration with one of our most trusted local partners, RUF. Over shared plates and heartfelt conversation, students reflected on how far they’ve come since arriving in the U.S. The room was filled with gratitude, not just for the meal, but for the friendships, mentorship, and support that had carried them through their academic and personal challenges.

Soon after, we gathered once more for a final celebration: a poolside party where the mood was light and the music played well into the afternoon. It was a chance to relax, to laugh, and to be present with one another; just students, staff, and friends soaking up the warmth of summer and the closeness of community. Sharing stories and snapping photos, they weren’t just classmates or residents anymore. They were family.

Throughout the year, these students didn’t just study abroad; they built something deeper. They became part of the Baltimore community, made connections that extended beyond campus, and learned how to support one another through homesickness, culture shock, and triumphs large and small. Whether it was joining local events, forming mentorship bonds, or simply gathering for a game night in the housing lounge, these moments wove together into something meaningful. Something lasting.

And then, it was time to say goodbye. As the last students prepared to leave the housing building, tears were shared between staff and students. It was a quiet, emotional moment that marked the end of an unforgettable year and the bonds built along the way. It wasn’t just a farewell to a place, but to a chapter of shared experiences that shaped everyone involved.

When international students are welcomed, supported, and seen, they don’t just survive. They thrive. They build roots. They create community. They leave changed, leaving a mark on us as all.

“Watching our students grow into a family this year has been the most rewarding part of my work. They didn’t just adapt to life in a new country; they embraced it, supported one another, and built something real. Saying goodbye was hard, but it’s a reminder of how deeply these connections matter." — Zalen Crowder, Program Director.