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Caitlin van Goeverden is in her senior year at Villanova University and she stands out on the field hockey team, tallying six goals in the Wildcats' 2021 season. Caitlin who comes from Port Elizabeth, South Africa, isn't your traditional college student and she's had to make some big choices to get to where she is today. She sat down with 2aDays to talk about the decision to go to America, the transition, and her plans for the future. 

What motivated you to move to the States?

My dream was always to come study here, and field hockey was a way I could. It was a win-win situation because I enjoy the sport. If I didn't play field hockey here I would have tried, but it wouldn't have been as accessible to come because I wouldn't have a reason or job.   I spoke to schools all over the country, and Villanova ended up being my top pick because the field hockey, academics, and location were the best.

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How do you find field hockey differs in playing styles between the two countries?

People in South Africa are a lot less structured when it comes to the game, but a lot more skilled one-on-one. The pace of the individuals back home is faster, but the pace of the game here in America is faster. It was difficult to pick up when I got here because there were new terminologies and structures that I had to learn. It took me a while to get used to those, but I've gotten the hang of it. I understand the importance of the differences, and it helped me grow as a player. 

I've learned so much more about myself and the world in the past three years than I have in my whole life.

-Caitlin van Goeverden

How about in life–what cultural differences did you notice when you got to America?

People in South Africa are more accepting of who you are as a person. There's less judgment and everyone will allow you into their friend group, whereas here it's trickier to find people that suit you. Back at home if you've grown up together and know each other you'll always be friends, but here people are picky with who they associate themselves with. It makes sense because you want to be happy with the people that surround you, but it does make it difficult to find your feet. 

What are you studying?

I am majoring in comprehensive science and I am on the premed track. My plan was to go to Med School after I graduated. Over the past year, I decided I didn't want to go to Med School because I didn't want to become a doctor. Last semester, I was in a computer science class and I was enjoying it, so I decided to minor in it. Now I'm looking into fields that relate to medicine but also relate to computer science. It's tricky for me since I'm not sure where I want to end up, but I'm trying to figure that out.

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What are your plans after graduation?

 I want to stay in the US because I know the economy is better. I would like to get my green card. Going home would not be an option for me. What I'm studying is not recognized at home, because it's a different system of education. I have to stay here in order to establish myself, and if I wanted to move later in my life I could.

Can you explain to me what the visa process would look like should you choose to stay post-graduation?

I don't know much about it, but from what I do know I would need to have a permanent job here in the States, and it would have to be for five years in order to get a green card. Studying at Villanova won't count because I'm on an F-1 Visa, which isn't permanent. 

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On campus, what does the international community feel like?

There is some connection when establishing relationships with international students. We're in a similar boat, and we can confide in each other when we're missing home. We find similarities in how we see America that Americans themselves don't see, so they're fun conversations to have and establish a bond. It doesn't matter where you come from, if you can find similarities with people or aspects of people you like, you can find friendships. 

Is there anything you would like to say to international students looking to play at an American college?

You should do it. I've learned so much more about myself and the world in the past three years than I have in my whole life. It's opened my eyes to differences between people and differences in the world and the opportunities you can get. It does grow you as a person and you can experience amazing things you never would have experienced otherwise. Overall, I've had a great time here, learned so much, and developed strong friendships that I hope to carry with me for my whole life. I would recommend it to anyone looking as long as you're doing what you love like a sport that you love, at a university that you love, studying what you love.

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* Originally published on September 22, 2022, by Claire Borman