International Education Boosts Careers and Economy

Robyn Walker color

Last week, Cenet and Southeast Missouri State University combined to host our first annual Student Recognition Ceremony for Southeast students who have studied abroad. The purpose of the ceremony was to recognize students' academic experiences overseas, and especially to highlight the positive impact an international experience can have on the future careers of our graduates.

Cenet’s focus for the evening was “employability”. In a 2011 QS Global Employment survey, 60% of employers stated they actively seek graduates with international experience and competencies. To underscore the employability theme, Cenet will create a new paid position in the spring of 2019, and study abroad students recognized at the ceremony who apply will be given priority consideration.

Cenet is a Cape Girardeau-based nonprofit with a mission to expand global understanding. The Department of State has designated Cenet to bring international students and young professionals to the United States on a variety of privately funded exchange programs. We use revenue generated by these programs to provide affordable study abroad opportunities for Southeast students and their peers through a university consortium called The Magellan Exchange. Currently, we work with over 35 institutions worldwide, including four other Missouri campuses.

International education and exchange also benefit our campuses and communities in other ways. According to data compiled by the Institute of International Education and NAFSA: Association of International Educators, international students brought $627 million in revenue to Missouri in the 2017-2018 academic year. Through their tuition and living expenses, international students at Southeast injected $20.6 million into the Cape Girardeau economy, supporting 124 jobs.

Robyn Walker black and white