For Give Green Day, coming up on March 14th, 2023, International Studies and Programs is highlighting the International Student Emergency Fund. This award, distributed by the Office for International Students, supports global Spartans experiencing unexpected hardships to help them continue with their degree at MSU. Leading up to Give Green Day, we are sharing stories from former recipients of the award. Next, meet Tshepang Mashiloane. 

Tshepang Mashiloane came to MSU in the fall of 2022 from Benoni, a town outside Johannesburg, South Africa. 

While she adjusted to campus, her mother was diagnosed with cancer back at home. Mashiloane traveled home during the winter break to take care of her mother, whose health was deteriorating further. After Mashiloane had returned to MSU for the spring semester, her mother passed away on January 24th, 2023. 

After requesting help from her department and college, she still needed more support to pay for the expensive last-minute flight back to South Africa. She turned to the Office for International Students and Scholars, or OISS, and the International Student Emergency Fund for help. 

A quick application and approval of funds allowed her to travel home and be with family for her mother’s burial.

“I don’t know how I would have survived if I couldn’t get home,” Mashiloane said. “Having that support gave me a sense of relief and assurance that my social wellbeing is cared about above my academic performance.” 

Mashiloane said this experience showed her a different side of the international student experience, and that receiving this funding showed her that she wasn’t alone.  

Receiving an award from the International Student Emergency Fund made a big difference at a difficult time in Mashiloane’s life.

Make an impact in more student’s lives by donating on Give Green Day.