See Yourself at GSU is a special Honors College series that uses real student stories to understand common student experiences — for example, applying to Georgia State as an international student.
By Heather Fields
ATLANTA — International student Jenni Kiljala landed on Georgia State University’s Clarkston Campus after years of traveling. Originally from Finland, the honors student is finding her place in the nursing world.
The 25-year-old has real-world experience in the realm of health and wellness. After working full time for a year after high school, Kiljala traveled to Asia, where she volunteered as a yoga instructor.
“I want to work somewhere where I can be active, promote health and wellness and feel like I’m doing something really purposeful,” said Kiljala.
Leading up to her decision to study in the U.S., Kiljala heard positive things about the education and career opportunities for nurses available here from members of her international friend network.
As an international student, Kiljala’s application process involved a bit of extra preparation, patience and paying additional fees. She began the process in the spring of 2022. She moved to Georgia in August and began classes at Chattahoochee Tech before she transferred to GSU. She’s been a Panther since fall 2023.
Steps for International Students applying to GSU:
- Complete the Common Application and pay the $60 application fee
- There will be an opportunity within the application to indicate your interest in joining the Honors College.
- If English is not your first language, you will likely need to submit proof of English proficiency through an option available.
- Translate high school transcripts to English and submit them through an approved software or email to [email protected].
- Use GSU’s program “iStart” to request and learn about immigration documents, such as F-1 and J-1 student visas.
- Watch the pre-arrival videos and keep track of your application status using your PantherID number via iStart.
For a detailed guide, visit the Undergraduate Admissions website.
Life in Georgia
Moving abroad comes with a unique set of challenges. Kiljala needed to adjust to driving on highways often, rather than taking public transportation.
Although she has been learning English since before she was a teenager, she needed to navigate living in a foreign country and “learn how to study again” in English.
Honors student Jenni Kiljala practicing yoga.
“I still feel like I learn new words in English every day,” Kiljala said.
On campus, Kiljala found a sense of community with other international students in the nursing program. Lately, she and her friends spend most of their time studying for their rigorous courses.
Kiljala’s current nursing course, worth nine credit hours, is divided among lectures, labs and clinicals. Kiljala has been completing the clinicals at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital.
Outside of class, Kiljala likes to study with friends in a public library in Marietta, where she found a comfortable living arrangement sharing a house with friends. She also enjoys the Mexican food in the area and taking her adopted dog for long walks.
“I’m very happy here, and I’ve made good friends. I wouldn’t change it back,” she said.
Kiljala is on track to graduate as a registered nurse in December. She wants to start working as a nurse immediately, but she’s also considering taking advantage of the RN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Bridge program.
“I’m happy that I ended up here. I think it was meant to be,” said Kiljala.
The Honors College at Georgia State University is a destination for high-achieving students who embody curiosity, take pride in their work and dream about how they can make an impact through their studies and careers. Its mission is to serve students in a welcoming space by engaging students’ curiosity, empowering them to achieve their highest potential and inspiring them to find their place in the world. Its students form life-long friendships, participate in community service, perform research, excel academically, explore their interests and chart their career paths.