According to the Institute of International Education, U.S. colleges and universities experienced a 5 percent increase of international students during the 2010 – 2011 academic year. Kentucky universities are among many institutions of higher learning that are reaping the benefits of the growing number of international students who study in the United States. The Courier-Journal reports, “The growth of foreign students, outlined in figures released by the Institute of International Education, is fueled partly by growing affluence of the middle classes in countries such as China, where there aren’t enough reputable universities to meet the demand.” As such, officials at many universities continue to seek new and innovative ways to attract these students to their schools.

According to the Courier-Journal, universities in Kentucky have a number of international outreach efforts including recruitment fairs and marketing. For example, the University of Kentucky introduced a program in their Smith Hall dorm that pairs international and U.S. students as roommates, facilitating cultural exposure and awareness. Along with these efforts, “20 Kentucky colleges and universities formed Education Kentucky, a consortium to work with the U.S. State Department and the Department of Commerce to promote the state as a study destination.” These outreach efforts are driven by their desire to “bring cultural diversity to campuses to reflect an increasingly global marketplace.”

The value that universities place on international students helps schools provide a global experience for all of their students. An article in The Times-News reports that Elon University's goal is to diversify and globalize their campus, as international students contribute a tremendous amount of knowledge and skills to the system. The article emphasizes that “attending a globally diverse school is not only effective in helping students to become global citizens but also in sparking a desire to see more of the world and learn about other cultures.”

Sources:

• Kentucky universities an international draw, The Courier Journal
• International Student Enrollment Increased by 5 Percent in 2010/11, Led by Strong Increase in Students From China, Institute of International Education
• Growth in number of international students touches Elon, The Times News