International student-athletes: 'I feel like I have made the right decision to come to Augusta,' says golfer Petra Duran

By Nicole Page | Staff writer

Moving into college can be hard for many, but moving to a completely different country with a new language, culture and people can be even more challenging. International student-athletes face these challenges when moving to the United States from their home countries.

Petra Duran is a fifth-year senior, originally from Spain, who transferred to Augusta this year. Duran transferred from Georgia State in Atlanta because of the exceptional education that Augusta offers as well as the chance to play in the women’s golf program.

“I feel like I have made the right decision to come to Augusta,” said Duran. “Traveling away from my home country of Spain was scary at first, but it has made me who I am today.”

Augusta University is the new home for student-athletes all over the world. Athletes from Indonesia, Spain, Brazil, France, Switzerland and Sweden, and many more have moved to Augusta to start their college careers. Making the decision to move away from their home countries is a difficult decision, but for many of these athletes, college sports are not as competitive as they are here in the United States.

Augusta University has so many international student-athletes because of how many successful students that it has had over the years. The opportunities that these athletes have are endless and very different from what they would experience at home.

With smaller class sizes, tutors, mentors and friends, these athletes have the chance to thrive in the classroom and in their sports. Many coaches strategically pair these athletes with roommates and teammates that they believe will help that person grow in their sport.

Coaches are an important part in a student-athlete's success, and even more so, those international athletes. With these students moving so far from home, their coaches and teammates become family to them.

Since moving here, Duran has been welcomed by her professors, who are always willing to help, as well as tutors who are available, as needed. In addition to this support, she said Augusta’s golf program has an amazing facility, coaches and schedule to help push her to be the best golfer she can be.

“Augusta itself has pushed me with my education and with golf, and I can see the improvement. There are so many opportunities for me to succeed, and it helps that there are so many other international student-athletes here going through the same things as I am,” said Duran.

Many international student-athletes in college plan to move forward with their sports after college. Some turn professional while others get involved in coaching. Augusta University has many international athletes who have turned professional or started coaching after graduating.

For Duran, who has been playing competitive golf since she was 13, golfing will continue to be a part of her life after college.

“Golf is my passion,” she said. “It is physical and mentally challenging, and Augusta is helping me improve those parts of my game. After graduation, I plan to go professional in golf.”

At top of page, Duran improves on her golf swing in Augusta. (photo by Nicole Page)

This story is first in a series on international student-athletes in Augusta.

Contact Nicole Page at npage@augusta.edu.