International Students Experience Southern West Virginia

Guest blog by Lucas Sabbadin and Ramon Ferrari

We both came to Beckley, West Virginia, to pursue our dream of playing soccer while earning a degree as student-athletes at WVU Tech. At first, we experienced significant culture shock, as we are both from Brazil and had to adapt to a completely new environment. Though Beckley is a much smaller city compared to where I, Lucas, previously lived, I was surprised by the abundance of nature and outdoor activities in Southern West Virginia. For Ramon, the experience was also unique, as he came from an even smaller city. Despite our different backgrounds, we have shared many memorable experiences while exploring this region as student-athletes.

Defying Expectations

A common belief among international students here is that there isn’t much to do. However, we quickly learned that this is far from the truth. As we made new friends and met commuter students, we discovered numerous places to visit and explore. Our first adventure was hiking the Long Point Trail. We vividly remember being amazed by the breathtaking scenery, especially when we reached what we consider the postcard image of West Virginia, the New River Gorge Bridge. We were impressed by how much there is to do in every season. 

Students at Long Point at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Our second experience was at ACE Adventure Resort, a perfect summer destination for families and friends. We went with our entire soccer team and had an unforgettable time bonding while enjoying the various water structures.

WVU Tech soccer team at ACE Adventure Resort

Our third memorable adventure was experiencing the snow and cold weather at Winterplace Ski Resort, where we tested our snowboarding and skiing skills. These three experiences prove there is plenty to do here, but the list only gets longer.

Ramon and Lucas at Winterplace Ski Resort

Exploring History and Culture

Over time, we also engaged in more historical experiences. One highlight was visiting the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, guided by a retired coal miner. The collection of historical artifacts and preserved equipment left us amazed, providing a deep appreciation for the region’s rich history. This is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to West Virginia. 

Ramon and Lucas outside Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine

Another must-see is Tamarack Marketplace, a hub for incredible local cuisine and unique handcrafted artwork created by West Virginia artists. Time flies as you explore the stunning arts and enjoy the atmosphere. 

Students at Tamarack Marketplace

If you love food as much as we do, The Chocolate Moose is the perfect spot for coffee and ice cream lovers. It also features a mini-golf course and an indoor climbing facility, making it an excellent place for both relaxation and adventure. 

Dunloup Falls in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

One of our most recent experiences was visiting the many waterfalls around West Virginia, particularly near Thurmond. The drive itself, passing through the historic coal town, adds to the experience. The peaceful connection with nature, combined with learning about the region’s coal mining past, makes for an unforgettable trip. 

Main Street in Thurmond in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Final Thoughts

After all our adventures, we can confidently say that the common perception among international students that there’s little to do in West Virginia is incorrect. There is an abundance of activities and places to explore; you just have to be open to adventure and ready to hit the road!