A conversation with Sue Marlay, former director of international programs at ASU
Sue Marlay worked at ASU from 1982 to 2010. During her time she served as an advisor in the Saudi Arabian Customs Training Program, director of international programs, and director of international student services. In the video interview below she discusses some of the history of the Saudi program which began in the 1980s at ASU. She also offers advice to current international students coming to ASU this fall.
Marlay worked alongside Dr. Afak Haydar for many years. Dr. Haydar helped establish a new scholarship for international students. Dr. Haydar was a political science professor who later became executive director of international programs. His work in the 1980s brought hundreds of students from Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and other countries to ASU.
Marlay has lived in Jonesboro since 1975, and says there have been many changes over the years. In 1975, there were only 2 or 3 restaurants, and now there’s 2 or 3 opening up each month. She told me that one thing that has not improved in Jonesboro is public transportation. She stated that this is a particularly big problem for international students who may not have a vehicle. If they don’t have a car or a friend with a car, it’s hard for students to leave town on the weekend and visit places like Blanchard Springs or Little Rock.
She believes the community is now more aware of the presence of international students, much more so than the 80s or 90s.
Her goal when meeting new students was to always make people feel welcome. You don’t want to make someone decided to return home after a week. The simple things, like forgetting to pack a blanket or towel, could stress a new student out who just flew 20 hours. Providing those items to an arriving student can make a big difference in how that student feels about ASU and Jonesboro. A big part of helping new students is helping them feel at home in Jonesboro.
Marlay worked alongside Dr. Afak Haydar for many years. Dr. Haydar helped establish a new scholarship for international students. Dr. Haydar was a political science professor who later became executive director of international programs. His work in the 1980s brought hundreds of students from Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and other countries to ASU.
Marlay has lived in Jonesboro since 1975, and says there have been many changes over the years. In 1975, there were only 2 or 3 restaurants, and now there’s 2 or 3 opening up each month. She told me that one thing that has not improved in Jonesboro is public transportation. She stated that this is a particularly big problem for international students who may not have a vehicle. If they don’t have a car or a friend with a car, it’s hard for students to leave town on the weekend and visit places like Blanchard Springs or Little Rock.
She believes the community is now more aware of the presence of international students, much more so than the 80s or 90s.
Her goal when meeting new students was to always make people feel welcome. You don’t want to make someone decided to return home after a week. The simple things, like forgetting to pack a blanket or towel, could stress a new student out who just flew 20 hours. Providing those items to an arriving student can make a big difference in how that student feels about ASU and Jonesboro. A big part of helping new students is helping them feel at home in Jonesboro.