Southeast attracts 300 international students

To potential international students, Zahir Ahmed describes Southeast Missouri State University as "the middle of America," safer and with fewer distractions than other cities.

In April, he traveled to India, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates to advertise Southeast.

After years of decline or small increases in the number of international students, the university had set a goal of doubling its international population in three years.

With the targeted push, international enrollment at Southeast Missouri State University will hit a 10-year high this fall. More than 300 students, an increase from 203 last year, are set to begin class Aug. 25. Many of the new students will be arriving in Cape Girardeau early next week.

"It's a global world. There are hundreds of American companies in India, China and elsewhere. Not having the ability to interact or work with people from other cultures makes it difficult to succeed," said Ahmed, executive director of International Education and Services.

During strategic planning meetings this spring, university leaders placed an emphasis on "education with a global perspective," a phrase they added to their mission statement. They hope to have a minimum of 400 international students by fall 2011.

"Now that we work and live in a global environment, to be successful personally and professionally our students need to have an understanding of that environment," said Dr. Gerald McDougall, dean of University International Programs and the business college.

Three friends from Nepal arrived this weekend and were surprised that "it's not as busy as we thought."

Instead, Diptina Tikhatri said the "people are really kind" and the teachers cooperative. She chose Southeast after studying its Web site and determining it is "the best college in the Midwest." Tikhatri, along with Rekha Poudel and Prativa Poudel, will study nursing.

Last year, the university attracted 40 new international students; this year it was 103. While abroad, Ahmed spoke at high schools, held seminars in hotels, advertised in newspapers and attended study abroad fairs. He also met with agents who arrange international study for students and with U.S. consulates in embassies to leave brochures.

During the four weeks overseas, Ahmed said the biggest strategy was to follow up with interested students. Four hundred applied, 350 were admitted, and about 100 chose Southeast. He said big cities may lure some international students, but he tries to explain that Cape Girardeau offers a slice of the typical American lifestyle.

However, he realizes Cape Girardeau is not inherently internationally diverse. "In this area, students don't have the opportunity to interact very much with people from other areas of the world. There's lots to be shared -- views, opinions, cultures. We're trying to build an international community here, so they still get that opportunity," Ahmed said.

Ahmed came to Southeast in January, filling a position that had been vacant for a year and a half, he said. He previously served as director of international education at State University of New York at Oneonta. Ahmed chose to focus on India and Asia because "historically India sends more international students to the U.S. than any other country."

The international students accepted all had to pass an English proficiency exam, McDougall said. They will receive assistance when they arrive to find housing, set up banking accounts, or get to the mall or grocery store. Forty percent are receiving some sort of scholarship.

"We make every attempt to integrate the international student body with the traditional students," McDougall said.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123

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