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TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Oleksandra Sehin, PhD, Education Abroad Assistant Director at Texas State University, has an extraordinary journey that took her from the small town of Lviv, Ukraine, to the bustling campuses of the United States. With an inspiring story of resilience and determination, she has become a prominent advocate for international education.
“I’m Oleksandra, but I often go by Alexandra,” she said. “Even though I earned a PhD from Texas State University, I keep my introduction simple. I’m from Ukraine, originally from Lviv, where I spent the first 23 years of my life.”
Sehin’s academic journey began with a master’s degree in English Language and Literature from Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. This foundation led her to Poland, where she spent four years teaching English and Russian in a vocational school in the northern town of Przasnysz.
“I went to Poland to improve my Polish skills and gain new experiences,” she recalled.
Despite the challenges of learning Polish within two months and adapting to life in a small town as the only Ukrainian, she excelled in her role and laid the groundwork for her next chapter.
Initially, Sehin envisioned pursuing opportunities in the United Kingdom. However, her plans shifted when her sister moved to the United States and encouraged her to join. Relocating to the U.S. was no small feat.
“I had to start over as an international student, even though I already held a master’s degree and had professional experience in another country,” she explained.
Her journey to the U.S. began in February 2003, marked by a tight schedule. After a series of delayed documents and rescheduled embassy appointments, she arrived on Valentine’s Day, just in time to begin the spring semester at a community college in New York City. Sehin pursued an associate degree in paralegal studies, followed by internships at Pfizer and MetLife. These experiences, however, revealed that law was not her true calling.
She then pursued a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in operations management at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City.
“That’s when I realized my passion for manage- ment and leadership,” she said.
Her sister’s move to Texas eventually influenced her decision to pursue a PhD in Adult, Professional, and Community Education at Texas State University.
“The program aligned perfectly with my goal of working in higher education,” she said. Transitioning from the fast-paced life of New York to Texas presented its own set of challenges.
“In New York, I relied on public transportation, but in Texas, I had to learn to drive,” she recalled, adding that despite these obstacles, she found Texan hospitality uplifting. “When I struggled to park at Texas State, people went out of their way to help me. That kindness made a lasting impression.”
During her doctoral studies, Sehin served as a doctoral assistant, collaborating with faculty on international education research and presenting at conferences. She also became a passionate advocate for international students.
“In classrooms, I often felt isolated as the only international student,” she said. “Many discussions focused solely on the American system, leaving international voices unheard. I began presenting workshops to faculty, encouraging them to invite international students into conversations. Their perspectives are invaluable, but cultural differences can make them hesitant to speak up without encouragement.”
Upon completing her PhD in 2015, Sehin joined Texas State’s Education Abroad Office. Her expertise in international education and assessment proved invaluable. Within two months of conducting an office-wide assessment, she identified areas for improvement and accepted a newly created position as assistant director.
Her contributions extend beyond her administrative role. Sehin has published research, presented at international conferences, and collaborated with institutions in Mexico, showcasing her commitment to global education. These achievements culminated in her receiving a National Interest Waiver, which granted her a green card in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the U.S.
Reflecting on her 20year journey in the U.S., Sehin acknowledges the challenges she faced, from navigating visa restrictions to overcoming skepticism about her qualifications.
“When lawyers doubted my eligibility for the National Interest Waiver because my degree wasn’t in STEM, I told them, ‘I’ll be the first to prove it’s possible,’” she said with determination.
Despite the odds, she succeeded. Now a green card holder, Sehin continues to inspire others through her story.
“I’ve never felt homesick,” she admitted. “Even in Ukraine, I knew I wanted to see the world and seek justice in systems that value equity and opportunity. I’ve always considered myself a global citizen.”
Sehin’s unwavering resilience and commitment to education underscore her impact on Texas State University and beyond. Her advice to students and professionals alike is clear: “Never give up. With determination and perseverance, you can overcome any obstacle.”
