ChatGPT led this international student to choose the UNI Wilson College of Business
ChatGPT led this international student to choose the UNI Wilson College of Business
It seems artificial intelligence and AI platforms can help people do almost anything these days.
For many prospective students, it can help them choose where to go to college. That’s true for international student Frederico Liedtke, who landed at the University of Northern Iowa after a search in ChatGPT led him to the internationally renowned Wilson College of Business.
“The business program is the main thing that stood out since the business program is very good,” said Liedtke, a first-year student. “The whole international process with admissions was very intriguing, how personalized it is and how they knew me straight away.”
There was a time when Liedtke didn’t think college was for him at all. But when the Portugal native widened his search beyond Europe, he found that the U.S. system was a better fit.
An academic advisor at his school suggested the U.S. education system would allow him to take more general education courses rather than declaring a major right away and give him a more interactive education rather than listening to a lecture all day. Although Liedtke knew he was interested in business, he wasn’t quite sure which major to choose. His academic advisor helped him narrow it down to several schools.
From there, he turned to ChatGPT, further refining his search to some of the best business schools in the U.S. He discovered the Princeton Review has named the Wilson College of Business at the University of Northern “A Best Business School” for nearly two decades, and that the business school maintains accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, a distinction which fewer than 5% of business schools worldwide have earned.
“I also wanted something with an international feeling where I was not the only international person there,” he explained. “I wanted something smaller as well.”
Liedtke loved finding out students from more than 50 countries are enrolled at UNI.
The next step in the college search process? A family trip to the U.S. to check out the five schools still on his list, including the University of Northern Iowa.
Although Liedtke had been to the States before, it was his first time in Iowa. Both his parents and his older sister went with him to get a feel for UNI at International Visit Day.
“The staff knew exactly who I was,” he said. “So it felt better than at the other universities. Other places didn’t feel like they connected to me as much.”
Liedtke toured campus and talked to other international students. His family spent a couple days in Cedar Falls, walking in the downtown district and getting to know the community. He already had a strong feeling he would end up being a Panther.
“I left that day pretty happy with my decision,” he said. “I didn't say ‘Yes’ since I still had two more colleges to visit, but I knew in my head UNI would be a good choice. Then after I discussed it with my parents, they agreed as well.”
A few months later, Liedtke was taking on the next step in his American adventure: international orientation at UNI. He appreciated the way the programming was tailored to international students, explaining things like how to set up a bank account in the U.S., how to get a Social Security Number and how to apply for an on-campus job.
“I felt like everyone was very helpful,” he said. “If you had a question, they answered it.”
UNI staff also made him aware of community resources he could take advantage of, such as getting free dorm furniture from the campus ministry Threehouse.
For his first semester, Liedtke enrolled in the Culture & Intensive English Program to improve his English skills and gradually transition into college life. He enjoyed the events hosted by the Office of International Engagement, such as a Halloween Party and Taste of Culture. This was a great way for him to engage with other international students and make new friends.
“The international office is very good,” he said. “They make you feel like you’re at home.”
Now in his second semester, he is ready to dive into more general education and business courses. Although he has not declared a major yet, he is leaning toward finance and has even joined the Finance Club.
As for his future plans, Liedtke has time to determine what he would like to do and where he would like to end up. No matter where he lands, he believes he is already making choices that are setting him up for success in his future career.
“Employers enjoy seeing candidates with an international background,” he said. “I also think just being able to say you lived abroad and know how to interact with all kinds of people is a major point why an employer might choose you over someone else.”
