43
International enrollment at YSU rises 48 percent
By Denise Dick
Youngstown
International enrollment at Youngstown State University increased 48 percent between 2010 and 2011.
YSU’s international enrollment increased from 178 to 264 students over the two years. Of the international students in 2011, 88 were graduate students, 97 undergraduate and 79 were students at the university’s English Language Institute.
Undergraduates are enrolled at YSU across many fields of study.
“Graduates are concentrated in STEM” or Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, said Jef C. Davis, director of YSU’s Center for International Studies and Programs.
The English Language Institute provides noncredit English as a Second Language classes for people who want to attend YSU and others who want to improve their English language skills.
YSU recruits international students, touting its affordability and small class sizes — the same elements that attract U.S. students to YSU, Davis said.
Ikram Khawaja, YSU provost and vice president for academic affairs, believes improved efficiencies by federal agencies in dealing with students coming to the U.S. to earn degrees also play into the increase in international enrollment.
The Institute of International Education website reports a 5 percent increase in international enrollment at U.S. college and universities between 2010 and 2011. That marks five years of growth in international enrollment.
South Asia is the largest exporter of students to YSU with those students making up 32 percent of the university’s international population with 84 students. The Middle East is the second highest with 23 percent, or 61 students. The 45 students from Africa make up 23 percent of YSU’s international enrollment.
The Center for International Studies and Programs offers gatherings for international students to get to know one another, allowing them the opportunity to learn from one another.
While most international students pay for their college education from either personal or family funds rather than through scholarships, Davis said those students also contribute to the local economy.
He estimated that YSU’s international students contributed $6.3 million to the regional economy including tuition, housing, food and entertainment expenses.