International Student is story of John Malinke, an African student who travels to America for college and in the process becomes exposed to the extremes of its society. Like a typical fish out of water, he undergoes several culture-shock experiences and struggles to adapt in an unfamiliar world…a journey that would lead him toward some of the craziest people he has ever met and also closer toward finding love. He’s in for the ride of his life.

What genre is it?
Comedy.

What kind of readers will it appeal to?
This book has mass appeal. It would appeal to foreign students who travel to America to further their education, Americans who would like to get a glimpse of the struggles, sacrifices and dreams of people who travel to the United States in search of more opportunity, and particularly African-Americans who wish to know more about what  family life is like in a number of African countries.

Tell us about that African family life; tell us about John Malinke.
John Malinke is a rather sheltered, slightly naive African male who is  very conscious of his responsibilities toward his parents as an only child. He has a good sense of humor and is sensitive and kind-hearted but soon realizes that in America you need to be both intelligent and street smart to succeed. Much of the conflict in this first part centers around John’s struggles to maintain his cultural and family values in a fast-paced, liberal and almost care-free society.

It kind of reminds us of – 
– Coming to America.

Exactly. If you don’t mind us asking, is this story a little autobiographical?
“International Student,” though primarily fictional, was motivated by some of my experiences as an undergraduate and graduate student in America for many years. It uses fiction to accurately represent how foreign students struggle to achieve their dreams, maintain their hopes and survive in an environment culturally different from where they were raised.

Tell us about your life now.
I am a journalist, writer and actor currently working in corporate communications. My journalistic and writing experience spans 16 years first as an opinion and news writer for several University publications in the United States and then later as a corporate communications and PR specialist, experiences that have enabled me to improve upon my craft.

How can we follow you on Facebook?
https://www.facebook.com/JackaiActor

What’s next?
I am currently working on part two of the book.