New LCI students have arrived to begin the academic year, a bit nervous with the language barrier and more than a bit culture shocked to find themselves surrounded by nearly 200 American students. This year’s group includes four Roman Catholic seminarians (two from China and two from Ukraine), one religious sister (from China) and 11 laypeople from China, the Czech Republic, Georgia, Kosovo, Lithuania, Russia, Slovakia, and Ukraine. Additionally, one student commutes each week to Gaming from Bratislava (140 miles): Rev. Ludo Pokojny is determined to learn English and values the opportunity to be here Monday to Thursday while keeping his responsibilities at his parish in Slovakia.
The new students are quickly making new friends, despite all the challenges of language and cultural differences.