SIUE Hosts Fall Kick-off to Welcome Record Number of International Students
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is welcoming a record number of new international students to campus in fall 2022, with approximately 400 students from over 30 countries. In total, international enrollment includes nearly 850 students.
The Office of Graduate and International Admissions hosted a kick-off event celebrating the students’ arrival and introducing them to the SIUE campus on Wednesday, Aug. 17.
“We are excited to have so many new international students joining SIUE,” said James Monahan, EdD, director of graduate and international admissions. “This is the largest number of international students in the history of the university. These students have traveled long distances to be here, and we want them to feel at home at SIUE.”
“This is my first time outside of India,” said computer science graduate student Jaswanth Yenduri. “We had the chance to meet everyone, attend a resource fair, play games and take pictures with Eddie the Cougar. Everything that has been planned for us this week has been really fun.”
International students gathered on SIUE’s beautiful Edwardsville campus core, known as “the Quad,” to enjoy music, yard games, and rock painting, among various other activities. The students also received a SIUE t-shirt, dessert and drinks to enjoy at the outdoor event.
“It is nice to engage with different cultures,” said construction management student Christopher Kruse, of Germany. “It has been great getting to meet people who I would have never met otherwise. I am also looking forward to growing in my studies here in the U.S.”
Along with the fun and games, the Office of International Affairs provided an orientation for the new students to help them become acquainted with academic expectations and co-curricular activities. The students were equipped with everything they need for life in the U.S. including welcome bags, assistance in opening bank accounts and daily essentials.
Photos: SIUE international students have their photo taken with Eddie the Cougar.
Christopher Kruse, construction management student from Germany, plays a game of washers.
