Coe alum publishes book recounting international student experience
Manish Khadka publishes book recounting international student experience
Manish Khadka ’14 (accounting major) — originally from Kathmandu, Nepal — was looking for a liberal arts experience with the ideal combination of academics and social activities. Once he discovered the small class sizes, highly regarded academic programs and cultural diversity at Coe, he knew he found his home away from home. Khadka’s four years at Coe were filled with such positivity that he decided to write a book to help other international students have a similar experience.
“The professors at Coe have a resilience and patience for working with students of various cultural backgrounds, and that is something I will always admire,” says Khadka. “Many of the professors go beyond their professional responsibilities to help students, for which I remain grateful.”
Khadka’s connections with his professors at Coe granted him the opportunity to work on academic research assignments, one of which was published in the finance journal, Managerial Finance. “My research experiences allowed me to develop my critical thinking ability which is essential in the accounting field."
Khadka held several jobs that allowed him to grow his accounting skills while studying at Coe. He worked as a staff accountant for Sodexo on-campus, interned at TaxAct and volunteered with the IRS. He also served as International Club president, Accounting Club vice president and a resident assistant while on campus. “Coe offered numerous opportunities academically and socially to develop communication and networking skills which are essential attributes in any position.”
Following graduation, Khadka began working at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), which is consistently ranked as the top accounting firm globally. “Coe has a strong accounting program that gives students the technical skills required to succeed as an accounting professional.” He most recently accepted a position as a financial controller for Sodexo in California.
Khadka’s book provides guidance to fellow international students regarding the social, academic, professional and financial aspects of college life. “The book, AMERICA: People, Policy and College Life as an International Student, is focused on international students and how they can have a meaningful educational journey in the United States,” says Khadka. “It would have been a far lesser book without the feedback and encouragement from my friends at Coe. Professor Kimberly Lanegran and alumni Evan Troendle ’14, Josh Xie ’14 and Rina Sato ’14 helped me review the book and provided constructive feedback along the way. I sincerely appreciate everyone's support.”
Coe College’s flexible academic structure allowed Khadka to tailor his international student experience to achieve his post-Coe goals. Khadka’s positive experience inspires him to remain focused on student success. He presently volunteers as a mentor to international students in San Francisco.