Spring Break
International students are all about Obama
Kate King
Issue date: 11/3/08 Section: Election Special
They may not be able to vote, but that doesn't mean they aren't paying attention.
For international students studying at UConn this fall, the opportunity to witness the presidential election first hand tomorrow is exciting not only because of its historic nature. With both the global economy and foreign relations in fragile states, the whole world is watching to see who will occupy the most powerful office in the world.
"The U.S. election is quite a world event," said Wee Lai Khong, an undergraduate student from Singapore studying economics at UConn this semester. "The world sees the U.S. as a leader, so when they are electing their leader, it is something to take note of."
The winner of the presidential election will directly impact life in Khong's home country, since Singapore's financial markets are closely tied to Wall Street, she said. The American economic crisis has already affected the country, where unemployment is on the rise and the economy has fallen into recession.
"I am very concerned about the U.S. economy because recently there is this credit crunch and volatility of the stock market," Khong said. "On this issue I definitely prefer Obama."
The Democratic candidate is the unanimous favorite among international students. Many feel he offers a fresh perspective on foreign policy completely different from that of the Bush administration.
Obama "being president would make public support in Europe much, much better toward the U.S. than it has been over the past eight years," said Kristina Andren, an exchange student from Sweden. "It would be good for the U.S. and for Europe as well."
Richard Alam, who is studying here from Beirut, Lebanon, said he likes Obama's pledge to negotiate with Middle Eastern countries such as Iran. He also agrees with Obama's support for a Palestinian state, so the displaced Palestinians occupying dangerous and squalid refugee camps in Lebanon can have a country to go home to.
For international students studying at UConn this fall, the opportunity to witness the presidential election first hand tomorrow is exciting not only because of its historic nature. With both the global economy and foreign relations in fragile states, the whole world is watching to see who will occupy the most powerful office in the world.
"The U.S. election is quite a world event," said Wee Lai Khong, an undergraduate student from Singapore studying economics at UConn this semester. "The world sees the U.S. as a leader, so when they are electing their leader, it is something to take note of."
The winner of the presidential election will directly impact life in Khong's home country, since Singapore's financial markets are closely tied to Wall Street, she said. The American economic crisis has already affected the country, where unemployment is on the rise and the economy has fallen into recession.
"I am very concerned about the U.S. economy because recently there is this credit crunch and volatility of the stock market," Khong said. "On this issue I definitely prefer Obama."
The Democratic candidate is the unanimous favorite among international students. Many feel he offers a fresh perspective on foreign policy completely different from that of the Bush administration.
Obama "being president would make public support in Europe much, much better toward the U.S. than it has been over the past eight years," said Kristina Andren, an exchange student from Sweden. "It would be good for the U.S. and for Europe as well."
Richard Alam, who is studying here from Beirut, Lebanon, said he likes Obama's pledge to negotiate with Middle Eastern countries such as Iran. He also agrees with Obama's support for a Palestinian state, so the displaced Palestinians occupying dangerous and squalid refugee camps in Lebanon can have a country to go home to.
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