Mohamed Mongalgi

International Student

Class of 2025

Degree:

Dual Master’s in Business Administration and Information Technology (MBA/MS)

Home Country:

Tunisia 

Where are you from and what brought you to Marymount?

I am an international student from Tunisia. Before coming to Marymount, I earned a bachelor’s in accounting and a master’s in entrepreneurship back in Tunisia. I am very interested in the technology industry, and I wanted to come to the U.S. to further my education and start a career in tech. I applied to a few programs but was having trouble getting my degrees to transfer over. I kept being told that I would have to get my bachelor’s and masters all over again. But when I applied to Marymount, the staff were able to walk me through the whole application process, including getting both of my degrees to transfer. They told me I could start in a master’s program right away, and that was exactly what I had been hoping for—so I chose to attend Marymount. 

What opportunities at Marymount have enriched your overall experience?

I’ve been working toward two separate master’s degrees—one in IT and the other in business—to become a much more marketable professional when I graduate. I’ve also had the chance to work as a graduate assistant with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), helping tutor other international students and connect them to resources they need to succeed academically. While working for ISSS, I ran a biweekly event called “Come Hang Out,” where I would get international students together to talk and form connections. It’s nice to hear from other international students about their stories and cultures. As someone who has been in their position, I know how hard it is to make friends and navigate a new country. There are only about 12,000 Tunisians in the entire U.S., so when I first came, I didn’t have other people to lean on. So I try my best to be someone that other international students can lean on, giving them advice and helping them with whatever they are struggling with. 

What is your favorite thing about Marymount?

I love the faculty and staff here. Everyone is very helpful and they listen. If you don’t understand something in a class, they are more than willing to help you. And if you have an administrative problem, they will do their best to help. That has made my experience as an international student so much better as a whole. I also love the environment at Marymount. The atmosphere is very welcoming and it makes you feel comfortable. Being at Marymount, I know I am studying in a safe and healthy environment, and that has helped motivate me to succeed and do my very best. 

What is your advice for international students coming to study in the U.S.?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and don’t be afraid to send an email or ask for help. At Marymount, you can ask anyone walking across campus a question and they are willing to help you. Don’t be afraid to go out and make friends who are very different from you. Share your culture and learn more about theirs. Also, keep in mind that you are traveling from across the world and paying lots of money to get an education. So, study hard and do your best. Graduate and find a good job and make the whole experience worth it!