Facilitator Corner: Saleh Alwabel

 

"Most people who participate in FIUTS events are students who are away from their countries and new in Seattle. It’s very important to help them, listen to them and share your experience and stories; that will help them to overcome all the difficulties that they have."

FIUTS Facilitators are volunteer student leaders from all over the world who welcome new international visitors, help to organize events, and lead activities for hundreds of students each quarter. Read on to find out more about the FIUTS facilitator experience from this month's featured facilitator!

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Name: Saleh Mohammed Alwabel 
Country: Saudi Arabia
Major: MBA Technology Management
Class: IELP 
FIUTS Facilitator Since: Fall 2013

Introduction

I came to the US on New Years Eve 2013 planning to study MBA in Technology Management. Moving to a country that has different culture, different language, and very cold weather “compared to Saudi Arabia” was a big challenge for me. A place that I don’t know anyone, and away from my family and friends. It was a hard time for me to overpass all these changes in my new life. After 2 weeks I joined the first FIUTS event. I met a lot of people from around the world and learn many things from different cultures. FIUTS helped me to overstep all the difficulties and changes in my new life in US. I enjoy football “score” and I am a super active guy, I hate doing nothing. Always keep myself busy.

Saleh (second from left), captain of the Saudi booth at FIUTS CulturalFest

Saleh (second from left), captain of the Saudi booth at FIUTS CulturalFest

What does it mean to be a FIUTS facilitator?

I have been involved as facilitator in FIUTS since September 2013. The main reason that made me to be a FIUTS facilitator is the help that I got from FIUTS since I came to U.S. a year ago. I thought that is the time that I start to help new international students. During my work as facilitator, I met many people from different countries and backgrounds, and every time I learn something new about their culture. Also, within FIUTS community, working closely with amazing FIUTS staff members, FIUTS student board and fantastic FIUTS facilitators made me feel like home and helped me to overcome all the difficulties.

Favorite FIUTS anecdote as a facilitator?

"Having fun" while leading a Global Getaway to Leavenworth

"Having fun" while leading a Global Getaway to Leavenworth

I have facilitated many great FIUTS events, however, the Portland trip was the best because I had the opportunity to meet awesome students from around the world; from Cambodia, China, Taiwan, Morocco, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Korea, Australia and Yemen. Also, I enjoyed travelling with an amazing facilitators (Jeremy, Charles and Michel).

Also, the Stevens pass trip was so much fun - skiing for the first time. It was one of the best experience I ever had in the US.

Working with FIUTS gave me the opportunity to represent Saudi Arabia at CulturalFest in the years 2013 and 2014. It was a great chance to share Saudi Arabian culture with the FIUTS community and give everyone more information about Islamic and Arabian culture.

Tips/comments for peer facilitators

Most of the people who participate in FIUTS events are students who are away from their countries and new in Seattle. It’s very important to help them, listen to them and share your experience and stories; that will help them to overcome all the difficulties that they have. Facilitating a FIUTS event could be a hard job depend on the size of the group, however, it will help you to improve your leading skills. Be responsible and try to talk to everyone and have fun.

 
FIUTS Front Desk