At SAF, one of our core beliefs is simple: meet students where they are. Whether that’s supporting them in their new academic environments or helping them bridge cultures across the globe, we’re committed to offering authentic university experiences that shape futures and broaden horizons.
That spirit was on full display when Lucia You, SAF’s Director of Program Management, traveled to the University of Mississippi – better known as Ole Miss – to connect directly with SAF students. From March 17 to 19, Lucia hosted onsite office hours, shared meals with students and staff, and got a firsthand look at the vibrant campus culture that defines this storied Southern institution.
Ole Miss, a flagship university in the southern United States, is known not only for its academic excellence but also for its strong traditions and dynamic school spirit. From students wearing formal attire to football games and tailgating in The Grove – a beloved 10-acre park on campus – to an active Greek life scene and over 300 student organizations, this is a campus that lives and breathes community.
During her visit, Lucia had the chance to meet Arisa Endo, who had just arrived on campus, ahead of starting the 2025 Spring session of the University of Mississippi’s English Language Pathway Program.
Lucia was able to join Arisa for an orientation tour around the campus, a warm welcome that set the tone for the rest of her stay. Arisa shared how she had been picked up at the airport by Dr. Whitney Sarver, Director of the English Language Program, who personally escorted her to her new home – an example of the student-focused care and attention SAF and our partner universities provide.
Housing is often one of the biggest concerns for students and families preparing for study abroad. At SAF, it’s also one of our greatest strengths. We take pride in arranging accommodations that provide students with a supportive, comfortable place to live and learn.
Arisa’s accommodations at Ole Miss were in one of the school’s historic residence halls, complete with an ensuite bathroom, shared kitchen, and a 24-hour front desk ensuring that help was always available and the premises remained secure at all times.
To help Arisa settle in, Lucia and SAF partners, including Olivia George, Study Abroad Advisor, and Sarah Hall, International Student Advisor, organized a welcome lunch in the cafeteria, and gave her a proper introduction to life on campus.
Lucia’s visit also included office hours, held in a central, easily accessible campus location thanks to the support of university staff. SAF students were encouraged to drop by during these office hours to ask questions, talk about their progress, or connect with peers. It was also a valuable opportunity to seek advice from a seasoned education expert on how to make the most of their study abroad experience, whether that meant preparing for graduate school, pursuing internships, or taking the next step in their academic journey.
In total, four students attended the sessions, including two SAF Japan students who started at Ole Miss in 2024 and have since progressed into academic coursework – a testament to just how much their English skills and classroom confidence have grown.
Two newer students from SAF Korea, also enrolled in the Spring 2025 English Language Pathway Program, joined in as well, eager to begin their own journey.
“What I appreciate so much about the University of Mississippi is that students have the opportunity to be fully immersed in a traditional U.S. university campus,” Lucia said. “It offers a strong campus culture, historic architecture, and the safety and charm of Oxford – a college town famous for its literary festival and American authors like William Faulkner and John Grisham. It feels very rooted in classic American campus life.”
SAF takes pride in offering students access to a diverse range of host universities around the world, each with its own unique culture, strengths, and opportunities. Ole Miss is no exception.
“I think Ole Miss, along with other SAF hosting institutions across the world, has a lot to offer students,” Lucia said. “And you can really see that with how students choose to keep coming back and extending their stay, or making the most out of their time here.”
She pointed to Seojeong Park, a former SAF and Ole Miss student who is now completing an internship in Oxford, an opportunity that came directly from connections made during her study abroad experience there.
From renowned global institutions to standout schools you might not have come across yet – like the University of Mississippi – SAF helps you find the right fit. Schedule a consultation with an advisor today to learn more.
