International students, scholars enhance learning environment, culture

University Park, Pa. -- Students from diverse international backgrounds improve the educational experiences of their University peers and contribute to research endeavors at Penn State, a panel of experts explained Jan. 19 in a report to the University's Board of Trustees.

Panelists -- who included Robert Pangborn, vice president and dean for Undergraduate Education and professor of engineering mechanics; Lewis Jillings, executive director for International Programs and associate dean for internationalization; and Negar Davis, director of International Student Services -- noted that the University's undergraduate and graduate programs count students from more than 123 countries, most significantly from China, India and Korea. This finding reflects a nationwide trend, according to a poll by the Institute of International Education (IIE).

This broad array of cultures and viewpoints, the panelists said, adds to the global learning experience of the community at large. "American and international students alike benefit from interaction with colleagues of other nationalities and their many cultures that will without a doubt develop interpersonal and intercultural learning of all," they said. In addition, globally competent American students and faculty contribute significantly to national economic competitiveness, and universities with international student and scholar populations serve as focal points for greater international understanding.

During the 2005-2006 Penn State academic year, international students at University Park totaled 3,199, or 7.7 percent of overall enrollment, placing the University 24th among the top 40 American research universities. As of fall 2006, the total has risen to 3,639, of which 3,257 are at University Park and the others are at 20 other University locations.

During the fall 2006 semester, 932 international students were Penn State undergraduates and 2,464 were graduate students. Nearly two-thirds enrolled during the fall 2006 semester were male.

The colleges with the highest concentrations of international students were, respectively, the College of Engineering, the Smeal College of Business, the Eberly College of Science and the College of the Liberal Arts. Panelists said, "Graduate programs nationwide in science, technology, engineering and mathematics are heavily dependent upon international students for their vitality and, in some cases, even their viability. Penn State is no exception, and we value the talent that these students and researchers bring to our classrooms."

Nationwide last year, campuses hosted 96,981 international scholars, and saw an increase in new student enrollment of 8 percent over the previous year, a figure of particular note due to difficulties in obtaining student visas and additional scrutiny that have affected enrollments since 2001. A majority (58 percent) of universities polled by IIE noted that campuses were making concerted efforts to increase international student enrollments. Penn State's Office of International Programs is employing several initiatives in collaboration with various University offices -- such as the Undergraduate Admissions office, The Graduate School and the Intensive English Communication Program -- to attract additional international students.

Recent efforts include the creation of Penn State highlights DVDs in Chinese and Spanish, with interviews of current international graduate students who discuss their experiences at Penn State. In addition, The Graduate School also is participating in the "U.S. Electronic Education Initiative for China," called a landmark initiative by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Department of State, that has the potential to reach China's 630 million people under the age of 24. In 2004-2005, international students contributed an estimated $13.5 billion to the U.S. economy, of which 63 percent was personal or family financial contribution. Penn State international students directed approximately $75 million to the local economy.

Penn State's International Programs will be emphasizing increased enrollment of international students at non-University Park locations and in colleges that currently have few international students, growing the total of government-sponsored international students, and boosting enrollment of students from less-represented regions, particularly Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. Panelists pointed out that recruitment efforts often are assisted by faculty, alumni, parents and current international students, as well as by support from senior administration.

To serve student needs and aid in their transition to life at Penn State and in the U.S., International Student Services (ISS) offers several programs and activities, from a comprehensive international student orientation to programs on Intercultural Communication, as well as co-sponsoring programs such as the annual World Cultural and International Children's Festivals, which are open to the public, and a weekly international coffee hour that facilitates socialization among students, faculty and staff. Finally, ISS is co-sponsoring a course in intensive Swahili this spring for students interested in African culture and language, and is developing a "Think Global" course to introduce American students to life around the world.