Student Union
- By Sal Nicosia
International Students Celebrated Across US
The benefits of international education and exchange worldwide are being celebrated this week at colleges and universities across the United States.
The week-long events of International Student Week are a joint initiative between the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. The events promote programs “that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences,” according to a news release.
The U.S. Department of Education, with colleges and universities nationwide, will host events like the International Fall Gala at American University in Washington, which highlights the food, music and celebrations of cultures worldwide.
The initiative includes #20Questions, a social-media campaign to engage Americans with international students by suggesting questions on a range of topics from food to culture to education. Students can showcase themselves and their individual, cultural stories.
International Education Week also helps students from around the world identify and choose U.S. universities. Global events at the State Department’s Bureau of Culture and Education offices worldwide, specifically the frontline Education: USA offices that help international students connect with colleges and universities in the United States.
The celebration features the “You Are Welcome Here” campaign used by colleges and universities to promote inclusivity of international students at U.S. institutions. The video was created by Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, last winter after travel restrictions were proposed for immigrants — including students — from Muslim-majority countries.
The proposed restrictions were struck down by U.S. courts, but “nearly 40 percent of U.S. colleges are seeing declines in applications from international students,” according to a survey conducted by American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, the Institute of International Education, NAFSA (Association of International Educators), the National Association for College Admission Counseling, and International ACAC.
“More than three-quarters of institutions responding to the survey — 77 percent — are concerned about yield, that is, how many applicants accept an admissions offer and enroll,” according to an Association of Collegiate Registrars statement included in the survey.
Throughout November, the State Department will also hold events at local passport offices across the nation to explain to the public what a passport can do for them and how to apply. This event couples with the government’s effort to expand global diversity in the classroom for the benefit of international students and American citizens.
Do you struggle to afford tuition, fees, housing and food? Are you also working? Please leave a comment here, and visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, thank you.
See all News Updates of the Day
‘Study away’ programs in the US can provide enrichment opportunities
While studying abroad can expose students to new cultures and experiences, researchers are finding that domestic ‘study away’ programs can be helpful as well.
Some students, including those on an international visa, may not be able to study abroad, but they can travel to other locations in the U.S. for enrichment experiences, Ashley Mowreader writes in Inside Higher Ed. (October 2024)
Fewer students disclose race in applications to top colleges
FAfter the Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action in college admissions last year, fewer students are disclosing their race or ethnicity in applications to top colleges.
Writing in USA Today, Zachary Schermele notes that the data is preliminary, but it could signal a change in the way students are approaching college applications. (October 2024)
Overall college enrollment is up, first-year enrollment down
For the second year since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, college enrollment has climbed in the United States.
But the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center noticed a substantial drop in the number of freshmen, which could be troubling for future enrollment, according to a report in Forbes. (October 2024)
South African universities embrace AI, seeing it as equalizing tool
The rise of AI tools like ChatGPT has sparked debate in higher education, raising questions about ethics and integrity in teaching, learning and knowledge creation. In South Africa, some academic institutions are taking a proactive approach, integrating AI into their curricula. Experts say this step is not only innovative but also helps level the playing field among students. Zaheer Cassim reports from Johannesburg.
International students may be able to get jobs at school
International students studying in the United States may be able to work on campus.
Jobs can include working in libraries, labs, food service and dormitories – but students will have to research the rules before applying for jobs, according to U.S. News & World Report. (September 2024)
