Finding Home Across Borders: Sebastian’s Journey to Charlotte

By: Brooke Steffen

When Sebastian Ramirez Araya arrived in the United States, he brought with him a passion for multiculturalism and a unique perspective shaped by life in several communities and cultures. 

A binational Chilean-Peruvian student, Sebastian spent his final two years of high school at an international school in Costa Rica before earning a full scholarship to pursue higher education in the United States. His experience of growing up in a diverse environment inspired him to study International Relations, a field that reflects his desire to help people work together across cultures and borders.

"Living in Costa Rica exposed me to a truly multicultural environment,” Sebastian says. “But living in the United States was my first experience with a completely different culture. Since arriving, I’ve learned how to appreciate my own heritage even more while embracing the positive aspects of American culture and its multicultural reality.”

Although Sebastian began his academic journey in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Charlotte quickly captured his heart. Frequent weekend visits to see a close friend introduced him to the city’s vibrant atmosphere, diverse communities, and iconic Uptown skyline.

"From those first visits, I fell in love with Charlotte,” he says. “The city has so much to offer, from its welcoming people to its impressive international community. That’s what ultimately inspired me to transfer to Queens University, and Charlotte continues to impress me every day.”

Sebastian first learned about International House during his first semester in Charlotte through Queens University’s International Student Office. Later, while searching for an internship opportunity, he was encouraged by faculty members in his Political Science program to learn more about the organization’s workshops, community engagement efforts, and impact throughout the Charlotte region. The more he learned, the more he realized International House aligned with his personal values and professional aspirations.

Since joining the organization as an intern, Sebastian has found more than professional experience—he has found a welcoming community. “Since my very first day, I felt welcomed by everyone at IH,” he says. “The work environment is warm and welcoming, and I’ve had the opportunity to learn from professionals with incredible stories and experiences. Their passion motivates me to continue growing both personally and professionally.”

Sebastian with our some of our incredible interns

Today, Sebastian’s internship experience has deepened both his understanding of the international community in Charlotte and his commitment to building bridges across cultures.

“Working at International House has helped me better understand the needs of Charlotte’s international community and the incredible work being done to support integration and improve quality of life,” he reflects. “It has strengthened my professional development, but more importantly, it has reminded me why I chose this field in the first place—to work with people around multiculturalism.”

Like many international students, Sebastian faced challenges adjusting to life in a new city. One of the most significant was transportation. Traveling between classes at Queens University of Charlotte and his internship at International House proved difficult while relying solely on public transportation. That challenge was eased through the support of the Enedina L. Fernandez Emergency Funding, along with assistance from Queens University’s International Student Office. The funding helped Sebastian obtain a bicycle, quickly improving his ability to travel between campus, work, and daily activities.

“The bike has improved my quality of life greatly,” Sebastian explains. “It has given me the freedom to commute between Queens and IH while making daily life as an international student much easier. I’m incredibly grateful for the collaboration between Queens, International House, and the Fernandez Foundation that made this possible.”

As Sebastian continues his academic and professional journey, he embodies the values that make international communities thrive: curiosity, empathy, resilience, and a belief that our differences can bring us together. His story is a powerful reminder of the impact that opportunity, support, and community can have on a student pursuing a dream far from home.

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Learn more about International House and how we continue to serve the Charlotte community here.