PROJECT HAS INTERNATIONAL FLAIR

Mariangeles Flores arrived in the United States Friday from Argentina, ready to work on her MBA while enjoying what would hopefully be an eventful stay to America.

But first there's the digging, painting and cleaning.

The 25-year-old Flores, along with dozens of other international and American students at Southeast Missouri State University, spent much of the day Saturday working on two homes being built by Cape Area Habitat For Humanity.

"I did some volunteer work in my country, and I wanted to do something like that here," Flores said.

The crew was directed by Jill Venezian, Southeast's coordinator of International Community Programs, as well as construction manager Jim Meyer and Habitat's student chapter president Nikki Tanksley.

In all, nine Habitat homes are planned for the corner of West End Boulevard and College Street. The homes will go to qualified buyers who will receive interest-free loans.

The students, who were from places like Taiwan, Colombia, Nigeria, Japan and Ukraine, were working on the two currently being built. Three more are scheduled for completion next year. The homes are two- and three-bedroom homes and roughly 1,000 square feet each.

The homes will be called Carter Estates, after former president Jimmy Carter, whose work with Habitat For Humanity is well known.

Some of the students are only in the United States for a short time, taking an intensive English class. Those students will head home Friday.

"We wanted to include activities in with that," said Venezian, who is also a Habitat board member and faculty adviser to the campus chapter. "Part of that is contributing something back to the community. "

Kelly Wu, from Taiwan, is at Southeast studying for her English degree. She helped with painting and cleaning and other odd jobs Saturday.

"I just wanted to help people build these houses," said Wu, 31. "I have time, I could have done anything I wanted, but this seems like a good thing to do."

Chima Nzewunwah, 26, of Nigeria, took time away from studying for his master's degree to lend a hand.

"I kind of find it necessary to give help and support when I can," he said Nzewunwah. "It gives me pleasure to help people."

Lori Hossain, who teaches English at the International Center on campus, said she found it delightful the way the students from various cultures worked together.

"I was impressed with the way they're cooperating together," she said. "They are just going about their business. There are no power struggles."

Sharon Anglin, who will live in one of the two homes under construction, was especially grateful for the help. "This is like Christmas to me," she said.