2008 Woodie Awards
International student grabs opportunities
Alma Aguinaga
Issue date: 9/24/07 Section: News
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Brookhaven student Abdul Rahman Azzam works a job as a math tutor on campus and said he did not have to take a test to get the job.
"I just had to explain three or four questions to the supervisor to see how good you can explain to the student," Azzam said.
He said since he is here in the U.S. with a student visa his status is legal. Azzam said when he applied for the job he had to submit his passport and driver's license.
Azzam said the main challenge among international students seeking jobs on campus is not their status but the language barrier.
He said once they speak English it's easier for them.
Born in Jerusalem, Azzam first came to the U.S. three years ago in search of better education. He said he did not speak English at first, but it only took him about a year to learn. He admitted it was and at times still is very hard.
Azzam said he always liked math. He said he also developed an ability to solve problems in his head without having to write them out.
He explained in Jerusalem, where he attended high school, students were not allowed to use calculators to solve problems.
Azzam said at Brookhaven he was put in a developmental math class. He said he was not comfortable with this and thought it was too easy.
"I didn't even buy a book, I didn't take any notes, all I had to do was come and watch the teacher," Azzam said. "College algebra was somewhat different; just the names in English, that's it."
Azzam said he plans to finish his degree in business accounting and continue to live in the U.S. He said after finishing school he would like to go back to his homeland and be with his family.
He also said in Saudi Arabia there is much prestige given to a person who has studied abroad in America and who knows both Arabic and English.
He said there they are given free housing, a new car and a new cell phone and taxes are not deducted from their annual income.
"All you have to do is eat, work … and save money," Azzam said.
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