Press Release
Worldwide Terps: Empowering International Student-Athletes at the University of Maryland
Maryland—Worldwide Terps, a Maryland Made initiative, is making significant strides in enhancing the experience for international student-athletes through community-building and educational resources. The program assists athletes in navigating life and academics in the United States while offering support for professional development post-graduation.
Karla Elena Vázquez Setzer, a graduate student golfer from Tabasco, Mexico, serves as the vice president of Worldwide Terps. She reflects on her journey starting as a transfer student and acknowledges the significant impact the organization had on her experience, crediting its former leaders for motivating her to engage actively. Vázquez Setzer is committed to fostering the sense of community she found upon her arrival in Maryland.
“Being a student-athlete is already challenging, and for international students, it’s even tougher due to the cultural and language adjustments,” said Vázquez Setzer. “Every international athlete possesses remarkable resilience, and I am proud to help them navigate these challenges, as I once received similar support.”
To bolster their outreach, Vázquez Setzer collaborated closely with the International Student-Athlete Working Group, comprised of members from Maryland Made, academics, and compliance. In recent events, they invited a social worker from Maryland Athletics’ Clinical and Sport Psychology Program to speak, highlighting the importance of mental health and well-being.
“We offer guidance on career development and other essentials, but individual well-being is foundational to success,” Vázquez Setzer emphasized.
Worldwide Terps is dedicated to ensuring that international student-athletes feel supported throughout their unique challenges, ultimately fostering a thriving atmosphere that champions their academic and athletic endeavors.
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