Southeast's international student enrollment rising

As Southeast Missouri State University's enrollment grows, so is a smaller part of its population -- international students.

The four-week spring semester census numbers, released this week, show international student enrollment exceeding 400 students for the first time in recent history, said Dr. Debbie Below, assistant vice president of enrollment management and director of admissions. The population has doubled since fall 2007 when there were 203 international students.

"I think that that's a real benefit to the education we're offering in the region we serve," she said.

Overall undergraduate enrollment increased by 3.3 percent compared to spring semester last year. Graduate enrollment, which decreased by 11.3 percent this fall, is up by 12.3 percent compared to last spring semester.

"Graduate enrollments tend to fluctuate greatly," Below said.

Total enrollment increased by 4.3 percent or 420 students, compared to last year. There are 10,271 students at Southeast. By 2014, the enrollment is set to grow to between 11,500 and 11,700, Below said.

By 2012, the university hopes to have 450 international students, about 5 percent of the total student population, said Zahir Ahmed, executive director for international programs and services.

The majority of recruitment efforts target China and India, the biggest international populations on campus with 129 and 66 students respectively. There are also 66 Japanese students on campus.

"We step in neighboring countries and recruit as well," Ahmed said. He said he reaches out to bordering countries like Taiwan, Hong Kong and Nepal, which has the fourth-largest international population on campus.

Once the university reaches its international enrollment goals, the focus will change to diversifying the countries feeding into the university, he said. The university's 408 international students come from 45 countries.

Ahmed said he attributes the growth in enrollment to streamlining admissions processes. The earlier students receive their admissions decision, the faster they can obtain a visa, an important part of relocating for studies.

Part of the draw to Southeast is Missouri's low out-of-state tuition, lower cost of living and safety, he said. International students that relocate to large cities also gravitate toward other student neighborhoods that speak their language and share the same culture.

"The temptation is to go the easy route," he said.

Coming to a smaller community like Cape Girardeau helps students reach outside their comfort zone, he said.

"When you go to other countries you want to have the opportunity to meet and interact with people from other countries," he said.

abusch@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

One University Plaza Cape Girardeau, MO