SIUE Welcomes, Fosters Community with International Students as Enrollment Soars
As international enrollment soars to a record high at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, the Offices of International Admissions and International Affairs are leading efforts to welcome and help those individuals build community so they can reach their full potential.
In spring 2022, SIUE’s international student population grew to 684, up from 345 in spring 2021. According to Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Scott Belobradjic, EdD, the growth came primarily from an increase in international students from India, Nepal and Africa.
Among the more than 250 new students who began their students in spring 2022 are exchange students, dual degree undergraduate students from China, and Global Undergraduate Exchange Program students.
As part of its community-building activities, the Office of International Admissions, along with the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) program and the Office of the Provost, hosted an International Student Welcome on Tuesday, Feb. 8. Participants enjoyed a free shirt, cookies and other goodies, along with a chance to meet and take pictures with Eddie the Cougar.
“In addition to the great distances these students traveled to join SIUE, many of them had to delay their studies due to the pandemic,” said Jim Monahan, director of Graduate and International Admissions. “With students from more than 50 countries attending SIUE, international students make important contributions to the cultural fabric of the University and the diversity of thought represented on campus.”
Among the participants was graduate student Hamza Mohammad, of India, who is studying industrial engineering and aspires to work in supply chain management.
“I got a chance to attend some of the Admissions sessions about the university and interact with the professors. I knew then that this was where I wanted to attend,” Mohammad shared. “I also gained positive recommendations and feedback from friends about how accommodating the SIUE community is, especially to students.”
Lilibeth Langat, an exchange student from Kenya studying accounting in the School of Business, said, “I like it here. I am enjoying the food and services already, while having a great time and making new friends. I am excited to get involved in some community activities.’
Chinedu Obuekwe, of Nigeria, a graduate student in the Department of Mass Communications, fell in love with the University because of “how it promotes a culture of diversity and inclusion for foreign students.”
“It is incredibly important to ensure our international students feel a sense of belonging at SIUE,” said Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb, PhD. “It was wonderful to see their smiling eyes above masks that demonstrated these students delight to be on campus. We always want to make students feel welcome and help support positive experiences at SIUE.”
Photo: International students pose with Eddie the Cougar during the International Student Welcome event.
