World@VCU: Lotus Al Habahbeh from Jordan - VCU News - Virginia Commonwealth University

Lotus Al Habahbeh, a Jordanian student enrolled at the Lebanese American University, is spending the spring semester at Virginia Commonwealth University through the U.S./Middle East Partnership Initiative program. The VCU News World@VCU profile, published March 25, 2026, notes that Al Habahbeh is pursuing a degree in business IT management and is participating in MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders, a program funded by the U.S. State Department that places students at partner U.S. universities. A photograph accompanying the profile is credited to Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications.

"You can do literally anything you could ever think of here."

Background and reasons for choosing VCU

Al Habahbeh described Jordan as a country of varied landscapes and hospitality, noting for prospective visitors that "if you want to see the mountains, you should go to the north, and if you’re more interested in the desert, you can visit the south, where Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is located." She highlighted Jordanian cuisine—singling out mansaf as a must-try and calling Jordanian shawarma "considered among the best in the region"—and emphasized the warmth and generosity of Jordanians.

Her decision to study at VCU was shaped both by program placement and personal recommendations. "I go to the Lebanese American University in Lebanon, and I’m also part of a program funded by the U.S. State Department called MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders, which offers the opportunity to study at a partner university in the U.S. When I saw my options, it was either going to be VCU or the University of Pennsylvania," she said. Friends who studied at VCU praised the university’s diversity, dining choices, dormitory accommodations and free transportation—factors that helped sway her toward Richmond.

Campus life, community and activities

One of Al Habahbeh’s standout experiences at VCU was attending a multicultural iftar on March 5. "It was a beautiful experience that allowed me to connect with people from many different cultures," she said. At that event, students wore traditional clothes and shared cuisines, an experience that made her feel both welcomed and included in the campus community.

• Academic focus: Business IT management (Lebanese American University student)
• Program affiliation: U.S./Middle East Partnership Initiative; MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders
• Campus highlights: multicultural iftar on March 5; diverse student body; free campus transportation
• Hobbies: playing the guitar, yoga, gym workouts, badminton, photography

Al Habahbeh also offered practical advice to incoming international students: "Never say no — always say yes. Even if you’re in bed and don’t feel like doing anything, if your friend is texting you, say yes and go out. I would also say: always try to be the person who takes the first step." She recommended starting conversations with compliments and stressed that "making friends at VCU is really easy because students here are so friendly and welcoming."

Outlook

Looking ahead, Al Habahbeh said she hopes to complete her education, possibly pursue a master’s degree and work for a company for some time. Ultimately, she aspires to entrepreneurship: "I have always aspired to start my own business, where I can support people in my community and contribute to making Jordan a better place for everyone." Her semester at VCU—framed by academic opportunity, cultural exchange and campus engagement—appears aimed at building the skills and connections she believes will help achieve those goals.