The View From Campus – How Welcome Are International Students on U.S. College Campuses?
This month we hear from Dana Brolley, Director of International Services, at the University of Idaho, on this very important and timely topic that is likely on the minds of international students considering study options in the United States.
Q: Describe your institution in 5 words?
A: Welcoming, safe, research, beautiful campus, land-grant
Q: For what is your institution best known overseas?
A: Top 100 public school in the USA, two thirds of undergraduates conduct research, lots of attention from faculty and staff, focus on innovative solutions for global warming and environment challenges,
Q: What are your top academic programs (undergrad & grad)?
A: Engineering, Agriculture, Natural Resources, Architecture, Music
Q: What are the top 5 countries represented at your college/How international is your institution?
A: China, Saudi Arabia, India, Nepal
Q: How does your institution use IELTS in the admissions process? How valuable a tool is it in evaluating prospective students?
A: We require a 6.0 for undergraduate and a 6.5 for graduate applicants. IELTS is a great tool and we like that we can verify results!
How Welcome Are International Students?
Q: Given the current administration’s America First policies, are international students still welcome in the United States?
A: Absolutely! Moscow, Idaho where the University of Idaho is a welcoming town that values and celebrates diversity. The city earned the coveted #1 spot on Livability’s 2018 list of the Best Places to Raise a Family. This is reflected through our student and scholar population who have approximately 180 dependants living here while they complete their academic programs. The community is very environmentally focused and engaged in solutions to climate change.
Q: What steps do universities take to help international students feel welcome on campus?
A: The International Programs Office provides centralized services to our international population from an intensive English program, tutoring, student events, scholarships, immigration support, advising, study abroad and more. Our largest annual event, Cruise the World, attracts approximately 1500 campus and community members who come together to celebrate cultures from around the world. This year’s event is coming up on Feb 1, 2020.
Q: What is the role of an international student office on campus?
A: We provide full wrap-around support for all students, scholars, staff, and faculty in the US on visas as well as assist with all extracurricular needs of the community to connect them to resources available on campus and in the community. Everything from snow-shoeing to scholarships – we’re here to help!
Q: How seriously do U.S institutions value having international students on campus? Give examples.
A: We provide special international student scholarships, have dedicated staff to assist international students and support many international student clubs and activities as they promote their home cultures.
Q: What advice would you give prospective international students considering U.S. colleges to help them understand what life would be like for them in the U.S.?
A: Beyond rankings, academic programs, and costs – which are all very important! – it is important to consider the community where you will live for years. Moscow is very safe, very accessible (I walk to campus every day!), welcoming, surrounded by beautiful nature where you can experience wildlife, skiing, river rafting, hiking, climbing etc. and access to larger cities is very convenient. Students who came here from large cities have told me how much they love living here. Coming the US to earn a degree opens doors for life changing experiences both in and outside the classroom. Make the most of your adventure to learn!