International Enrollment Climbs on the Friendliest Campus
10/09/2023
by Buffy Lockette
Counted among JSU’s historic enrollment figures this fall is an increase in international students. As the world continues to rebound from the pandemic, international student enrollment is recovering in the US, including at Jax State.
According to the Institute of International Education, the number of international students enrolled in American colleges and universities dropped 40 percent in 2020 and 2021. The trend reversed in 2022, growing six percent. While 2023’s numbers are still being calculated across the country, the results are in at JSU – and it’s good news.
International first-time freshman applications increased by more than 300 percent for Fall 2023 – from 313 to 1297 applicants – with 109 enrolling at the university. The overall headcount of JSU international students, at both the undergraduate and graduate level, increased by 140 students this fall to 251 students – reflecting a 39 percent total increase.
“I attribute most of this success to our office being able to centralize application processing and, in doing so, establishing electronic and student friendly processes across the board,” said Lauren Findley, Director of Admissions, whose office began processing international undergraduate applications this year. “This allowed us to also identify areas where we could improve communications for students and recruitment agents in the admission process.”
The top country of origin for international students is currently Nepal, likely due to the recruiting efforts of JSU’s former director of the International House and Programs, Chandni Khadka-Walsh, who is native to the country. There are currently 79 students from Nepal studying on campus – which has led to the creation of a Nepalese Student Association.
“Nepalese students appreciate JSU for its welcoming campus environment, strong international program, campus events, friendly staff and professors, and the similarity of the weather to Nepal,” said Sudeep Joshi, president of the Nepalese Student Association.
Ingrid Galinat, who joined JSU’s staff as International House and Programs director in April, kicked off her department’s international recruitment efforts this fall. Working with international recruiting partners approved by the US Department of State, JSU participates in international recruitment fairs at accredited schools abroad.
In September, Galinat attended a recruitment fair in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which was attended by more than 1,500 prospective students. She also visited with an elite high school and met with representatives from local universities to explore exchange program opportunities.
Also in September, Byron Nichols, assistant director of the International House and Programs, attended a recruitment fair in Nassau, Bahamas. More than 1,600 prospective students registered for the three-day event, with two Bahamian JSU graduates stopping by for a visit: Quentin Percenti and Marvin Henfield.
Over the next year, Galinat said JSU will focus on recruiting students in Vietnam and Latin and South America, as well as building partnerships in France and Argentina. JSU’s international student population is highly diverse, representing 50 countries, but Galinat said there’s room to grow.
“I envision JSU’s potential for international student growth doubling in size with an increased diverse international population,” Galinat said.
The university is also working to grow study abroad opportunities for students. JSU has active exchange programs with partner universities in Sweden, Japan, South Korea and United Arab Emirates. Two faculty-led programs are also planned for early 2024: London/Paris and Mexico City. Pell Grant recipients are encouraged to apply for a Gilman Scholarship through the US Department of State, which sends US undergraduates abroad for little to no cost. For more information, contact Javier Burrows at jburrows@jsu.edu.
With international travel returning to pre-pandemic levels, JSU is once again hosting international alumni reunions. The university invites alumni to campus Oct. 20-21 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the International House – which was postponed until now due to the pandemic. The registration deadline is Oct. 13. This summer, an international reunion will be held in Paris in conjunction with the Marching Southerners’ trip to France. Mark your calendar for June 12-13. Registration will open soon.