Ebba Alalaq, a senior international student majoring in finance with a concentration in real estate, has been busy preparing for Saturday’s International Festival. Learn more about her role in the festival and her experience as an intern for the Office of International Programs.
Why did you choose UNC Charlotte?
I have many relationships with UNC Charlotte alumni, including my brother, Abdulla Alalaq, who received a bachelor’s degree in engineering in 2017. He always talked about how much he loved the University and what it has to offer, and that is when I decided to become a Niner in 2019!
Tell us about your internship with the Office of International Programs.
I am a UPIP intern for the Office of International Programs, and one of my roles is to take care of the International Festival. Within this role, I undertook several key responsibilities, including facilitating follow-ups with festival sponsors and vendors. I assisted in the development of a comprehensive resource manual to gather and organize vital programmatic information, all while ensuring alignment with departmental objectives. Not only did I handle the major responsibilities of the festival, but I had little tasks, such as hanging posters around campus to promote the festival. Furthermore, I actively contributed to the enhancement of student-focused engagement strategies within the programmatic portfolio. My role also involved providing valuable insights from a student perspective to our professional staff.
Why should your fellow students and the greater community attend this year's International Festival?
The International Festival will enable them explore the world in one day without having to travel! They will experience it all - arts, crafts, costumes, food, music and traditional dances and performances in a market-place style!
What are three words to describe UNC Charlotte?
Three words to describe UNC Charlotte are opportunity, innovative and diverse.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not studying or working?
When I am not studying or working, I enjoy exploring the city with my friends. Since I am an international student from Jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia, I also enjoy calling my family to catch up.