All the way from Kenya to United States of America, meet Dorine Wanguba. Dorine is a proud
academic scholar, employee, and entrepreneur. She was born in Mishomoroni a small town located in
Kenyan coast Island Mombasa. Coming from humble beginnings, her family of 11 individuals lived in a
two roomed Swahili fashioned house. This included 7 children, her 2 parents, and some relatives. The
family shared one pit latrine and one bathroom with other 13 families something that was not very
conducive.
Growing up close to other kids from very well off families, from her perspective the future only looked
bright for her through the lenses of education. Education was the only route Dorine had to a successful
life. Law and behold, Dorine took education very serious while embracing other life challenges and
growth to an accomplishing academic scholar, employee of a leading multinational
manufacturing company, and also a successful multiple business owner in Kenya and abroad.
Since she draws her success from education, she is a strong advocate for matters education and she
strongly believe that education is meant to change the way we perceive things in life and how best we
can respond to the world around us and not just to prepare us for our career journey. This book was
inspired by the many repetitive questions she got from aspiring international students and their parents
on what to expect and processes. In this book, she takes us through her personal journey and those of
others who went through the same, and provide guidance on how to endure almost never ending
challenges and still become successful as an international student. According to her the journey of a
successful international student begins all the way from when one realizes study abroad is an option all
through embracing opportunities.
Far from what most people looking from outside see, based on her experience, Dorine elaborate how
being an immigrant student is a whole different ball game with frequent challenges and restrictions but
also opportunities. Hence this guide and advice should help you survive the hurdle, grab the
opportunities and become successful. This should also help guardians of international students
understand the real picture and be a strong support system even from a distance. Finally, it also meant
for host country citizens to farmirialize with international student experiences and hopefully influence
them to support these student's journey.
"Kenya gave birth and raised me, but United States provided the opportunities I never had"
~ Dorine Wanguba