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November 17, 2021

Double majoring in Marketing and Management while breaking program records in soccer, Shawnee State University senior Kevin de Lange has excelled in more ways than one as an international student. A native of the Netherlands, de Lange has found his second home during his time at SSU.

Kevin de Lange

“I did experience some culture shock when I first arrived to America,” said de Lange. “We are taught British English in the Netherlands, so at times I sounded a bit silly when I would say certain phrases here. I got accustomed very quickly, though.”

A member of the SSU Men’s Soccer team, de Lange is a key player. Throughout his career on the team, he has been named MSC Offensive Player of the Week numerous times, coSIDA Academic All-America Team Member of the Year, and broke a nearly twenty-five-year-old program record for most career goals with his 43rd goal last season.

“I am fortunate to be able to go to school on both academic and athletic scholarships,” said de Lange, who has been on the team for four years. “I have done very well here on the team. I look forward to graduation and what will come next.”

Outside of his time spent on Shawnee Turf, de Lange has enjoyed his education at SSU. Graduating in Spring 2022 with two bachelor degrees and an associate degree, he is grateful for the opportunity he had to study abroad in the United States while playing the sport he loves.

“I highly recommend that other students give studying abroad a chance,” he said. “You will get so much better at speaking a new language. You will also get to experience another culture, try new foods, and make new friends. I have had the best experience at Shawnee State. It may seem scary at first, but it is so worth it.”

SSU currently has fifty international students representing twenty-three countries who are involved in various academic programs, athletic teams, and student organizations on campus. The students are connected with resources through the university’s Center for International Programs & Study Abroad where they can connect with other international students as well as gain information on how to access assistance throughout their time on campus. has students from twenty-three countries who are involved in various sports, academic programs, and student organizations on campus.

To learn more about international student programs and opportunities Shawnee State University, visit shawnee.edu/cipsa.