International Student Profiles
The following are profiles of current students from around the world and their unique perspectives on their academic programs and experiences at Regent.
Andrey Kovaley | David Jimenez | Allen Anjo | Abigail Oduro | Mary Zaher | Nelia Nyaruwata
Andrey Kovaley
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I came to Regent University in August 2006. I had known about this school from my American friends before, but at that time the idea of studying in America seemed just impossible. From the very beginning of my Christian walk, I felt a call to ministry and have always been involved in practical ministry of some sort all the time. Unfortunately, in contemporary Russia, there are not many Christian schools that provide solid Biblical and Seminary education on graduate and post-graduate levels. Several years after I first heard about Regent, my friends encouraged me to apply for a Master’s program at the School of Divinity. Following their advice, I took the step of faith and applied for the MA in Practical Theology program. I was amazed to see how God was working in this situation, making thing that had seemed impossible coming to pass.
Studying at the School of Divinity at Regent University was a great blessing for me. I was able to learn many new things about Christian ministry, theology, and spiritual life. Regent helped me to broaden my perspective on Christian ministry and make it more global. I especially enjoyed being a part of international student’s community, getting to know people from different countries, learning about other cultures, and obtaining a global vision of how we can make an impact in this world.
Practical involvement with local churches in Hampton Roads during my studies at Regent and during the Optional Practical Training after graduation also provided me valuable experience and insights on the effective contemporary ways of Christian ministry. In the spring of 2011, another miracle happened in my life, when God opened the door for me to continue my education at Regent University, pursuing another Master’s degree, now at the School of Communication and Arts. Since Christian ministry and communication are closely interrelated, I believe this second step of my academic pursuit will help me to be more effective in my future ministry and professional career.
David Jimenez
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Hello mates, My name is David J. Jimenez Cardenas. This is my second semester in the Divinity program; I am pursuing a Masters in Divinity. I am from the north part of Mexico, from a little town named Piedras Negras, due the coal mines in the surroundings. My parents are pastors in a Church they planted nearly 30 years ago; I spent most of my childhood in church, and I enjoyed. When I reached my youthful years I decided that I want it to be in the ministry, it was not just an emotion but a decision that grew up along with me. Due this reason I finished my bachelors in Mexico and I embarked into a seminar in Christ For the Nations Institute in Dallas Texas.
After finishing there I went back to Mexico and started doing ministry. Soon after that I realized that I needed a higher education with regards to ministry, that is when I decide to come to Regent U. When I came to see the campus and the classes, the thing that most impacted me was the faculty and staff. Everyone - administrative, professors, etc. - were always making themselves available to me, even though I was not yet enrolled in the school. That made a big difference deciding whether to come or not. Once I got accepted and came to Regent, the OISS assisted me all the time - I even got an opportunity to work and serve here. So far it has been an amazing experience, the classes are amazing, the professors care about me - they even ask me if go to church every day, or if I need help with something, or just if I am doing ok (Yes that is Dr. Twelftree.) Through the OISS and ISO communities I have been able to connect with other International Students, and get to know them better. My experience so far has been very good and pleasant. I highly recommend considering Regent U. as your Alma Mater for your studies. Thanks
David Jimenez
Allen Anjo
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If you are reading this, you are either wondering if Regent University is right for you, or whether you made the right decision to come to Regent. I can tell you from my own personal experience that no matter what we plan or dream; it pales in comparison to what happens when you let God take control.
I am currently doing a joint degree from the School of Government, and the School of Law here at Regent. Coming from the far reaches of Nagaland India, Regent University has given me an opportunity to develop my skills so that I may give something in return to my people. OISS and the international community here at Regent have enabled me to make new friends and develop a better understanding of different cultures around the world.
I highly recommend Regent University not only for its stellar academic programs, but also the fellowship and guidance it offers to all students, especially as an international student. Regent is not a place where you will be lost in a sea of faces, but a home where you can grow in your knowledge and faith.
Abigail Oduro
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Hello. My name is Abigail Oduro and I am from Ghana, West Africa. This is my second semester at Regent and I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business. I have always had a passion to make an impact in the world and let my life and actions draw many to Christ. The Bible says in Psalm 27:23 “the steps of a good man are ordered by God.” I believe that God ordered my steps to this place. During my final year in high school, while I was deciding which colleges I wanted to go to, I met an alumni of Regent University and she told me all about this school. When I checked it out, I fell in love with the school and I am glad I decided to come here.
This is the first time I have been to America and I have been blown away by the hospitality I have received since I came here. The professors are extremely helpful and are truly involved in the lives of students. I marvel at the sense of community and the friendly atmosphere between students. I have realized that this is a close-knit community where everyone is ready to help and we are all a group of friends growing together. The International Student Organization has been very instrumental in helping me to adjust to the cultural differences and have been ready to assist me in any way possible. I have not only gained knowledge in my field of study but also spiritually and in life as a whole. I have been presented with many opportunities I never dreamed of and I have been able to go on mission trips and be a part of something. My dreams are being made manifest. Regent is indeed a place that trains Christian leaders to change the world and I can testify to this because my life has been touched in more ways than one.
Mary Zaher
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Greetings! My name is Mary Zaher from Cairo, Egypt. I am a second year PsyD Student at Regent University. It sounds cliche but it’s been a passion of mine to be able to minister to people who are hurting and being here and attending the School of Psychology and Counseling has been an answer to prayer. The transition here from Egypt was made easier because of the faculty/staff and students who were very welcoming and supportive. In addition, OISS and ISO have been so helpful in making me feel right at home. It’s been a blessing making friends both international and American. I’ve gained and learnt so much from being part of this community. These past two years have been full of opportunities to develop both professionally and personally and I’m looking forward to what God has in store for me in the next few years!
Nelia Nyaruwata
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Greetings: My name is Nelia Nyaruwata and I am from Zimbabwe. I came to Regent in fall 2010 to study MBA. It’s amazing how I ended up coming to Regent. I met some American friends who had come to Zimbabwe and they encouraged me to apply to Regent. From the moment I attend class at Regent I was never the same person again. Learning how to apply biblical principles in our education is one thing unique about Regent. The professors are so amazing; they walk with you throughout the whole course.
At Regent I have met different people that became more like a family to me. I am never lonely at Regent. I have attended different functions at Regent that enable me to understand the worldview. I am so excited to be the person I am right now. I can just look back and notice the difference. I know through everything I have learned at Regent I will be able to make a difference wherever God leads me to go after the completion of my studies.
