Mon Sep 09 15:22:28 UTC 2024: ## International Students Observe US Election with Curiosity and Concern

**Washington, D.C.** – International students in the United States are closely watching the 2024 presidential election, offering a unique perspective on the global influence of American politics. While they appreciate the openness and transparency of the US electoral process, they also express concerns about the current political climate.

Students like Musbah Shaheen, an assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, who arrived from Syria in 2014, find the US political landscape a stark contrast to his homeland. He describes the open discourse and debate as a refreshing change from the restrictive political environment he experienced in Syria. Shaheen highlights the importance of creating spaces for students to engage in open discussions about US politics, emphasizing the need for intellectual engagement beyond just policies, but also the ideologies behind them.

Rohan Naval, an Indian student at American University, is impressed by the extensive media coverage and voter registration efforts during the US election. However, he finds the unpredictability of the current campaign, including the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump, unsettling. Naval contrasts the accessibility of US elections, with mail-in ballots and transparent counting processes, with the logistical challenges faced by voters in his home country.

Victoria Charalampidi, a recent graduate of the American College of Greece, observes a shift in US politics since the Trump era, with Biden’s presidency representing a move towards more unity. While she recognizes some positive aspects of Trump’s economic policies, she criticizes his divisive approach. She finds the current campaigns more polarized, expressing disappointment with the focus on military engagements and the rollback of policies like abortion rights. However, she also sees progress in the candidacy of Vice President Kamala Harris, a woman of color competing for the highest office.

The diverse perspectives of international students provide valuable insights into the global impact of American politics. Their observations highlight the importance of fostering open discussions, promoting intellectual engagement, and navigating the challenges of a diverse and complex nation. As the 2024 election unfolds, their observations will continue to offer a crucial global perspective on the state of American democracy.

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