Growing number of international students thrive at Valpo

Wed, November 4, 2009 |

Valparaiso University's international student population is booming, with students such as Ariun Zorigt from Mongolia finding a home away from home.

Zorigt, a senior majoring in management and finance, said her Valpo experience has enriched her life.

"Valpo is a community where almost everyone is friendly and willing to help you with everything," Zorigt said. "I am surrounded by people who have made my experience here very enjoyable. My advisers and professors are always willing to help, and most importantly, it is a very welcoming and safe place."

This fall, the number of international students on campus rose to 345 (304 on non-immigrant visas), an 18 percent increase from last year's record setting population of 292 students (245 on non-immigrant visas).

Valpo's international student population has more than tripled since fall 2003, when it hosted 109 students (90 on non-immigrant visas).

Holly Singh, director of international students and scholars, said that crossing the 300-student mark with nearly 50 countries represented on campus, is a reflection of the University's commitment to providing a global education.

Singh said a number of factors led to this historic achievement.

"Valpo offers a unique balance of education and fun for students," Singh said. "This approach to life is a key in attracting international students, who are also seeking balance in this globalized world. They come to Valpo looking for an education that prepares them to succeed in a global market, and our educational style and environment provide that."

Valpo's quickly rising enrollment of international students is largely due to the relationships that have been built by current and former international students who enjoyed their experience on campus, Singh said.

"Historically, our international students have had such good experiences that the 'word of mouth' brought the next generation of students," said Singh. "Recently, the Graduate School and particularly Dr. Dave Rowland [associate provost and dean of the Graduate School], Dr. Renu Juneja (associate provost and professor of English] and Dr. Zhimin Lin [chair of the Chinese and Japanese Studies Program and associate professor of political science] have actively sought to build relationships that will foster additional growth in Valpo's international connections and students. They have worked diligently to create an environment which makes Valpo attractive and welcoming to international students."

Singh also noted the services and environment that the University provides is a key for retaining this population of students, including the Valparaiso International Student Association (http://www.valpo.edu/student/visa/, an organization that supports international students.

"The international students are pretty active and VISA, as a student organization, is very helpful in organizing events that support and highlight their cultures and interests," Singh said.

Singh said the greatest growth has been seen in Valpo's graduate programs.

"The international students feel at home in the community," Singh said. "The Graduate School, while academically challenging, provides the right kind of skills for these students as they enter the global market and is priced competitively to support this growth."

But beyond the educational experience, Valpo's international students find an even deeper connection on campus.

"There is a lot of freedom at Valpo, and I enjoy meeting new people and learning new things everyday," said graduate student Mingan Miao. "The local people are very kind and life is very peaceful in this campus environment."

Miao came to Valpo from a large city in the Zhejiang province of China to study international commerce and policy.

"I've received a lot of physical and spiritual support from Valpo," Miao said. "The University has a beautiful campus and excellent facilities, and the faculty, staff and students show great concern for each other."

More information about the University's commitment to global learning can be found online at http://www.valpo.edu/globalvalpo.