Kennesaw State's focus on international education

11/13/00 - In this Year of the Engaged University at Kennesaw State University, it is important to remember that to be a truly engaged, global society, curriculum strategies, faculty, staff and students in higher education must become more internationally focused.

International Education Week, Nov. 13 - 17, offers an opportunity to examine Kennesaw State's focus on international education-not just during this celebratory week, but throughout the year. Two of KSU's strongest international programs are the international student program and the study abroad program.

University System of Georgia Chancellor Stephen R. Portch spoke recently about the state of higher education in Georgia, commenting that "the economic imperative to ensure diversity on the campus and in the workplace cannot be ignored. Ö We need the brainpower of all Georgians."

KSU has taken that statement a step further and shown that we need the brainpower of people from all over the world. The growth of KSU's international student program reflects the growth of such programs nationally and showcases Kennesaw State's commitment to diversity on its campus.

In 1998-99, the number of international students studying in the United States increased 2% over the year before to 490,933. The campus' international student enrollment reached an all-time high of 831 in 1999.

According to estimates from former U.S. trade representative Mickey Kantor, KSU's international student enrollment translates into an estimated 14.3 million dollars for the local economy annually. That's an average of $17,200 spent by each international student. International students contribute to our local economy with the purchase of goods, services, tuition and living expenses. Nationally, education is the fifth largest service export.

At Kennesaw State, most international students also participate in volunteer activities, increasing their impact on the local economy. Through the KSU International Diplomatic Corps, a total of 160 international students contributed 2,365 hours of volunteer service in both the community and on campus in the fall semester of 1999.

In addition to the rise in the number of international students, the university has experienced an increased participation in its study abroad program, which reflects a national increase. According to the Institute of International Education, 113,959 U.S. students studied abroad in 1997/98-the last year for which figures are available. That is an increase of 14.6% over the previous year.

Two hundred fifty-nine KSU students participated in 14 different study abroad programs in 2000, an increase over the 224 participants in 1999.

Interest in study abroad programs has been spurred in part by student's recognition of the increasingly global and diverse community our world has become. In addition, universities are offering a wider variety of study abroad programs, including an increase in the number of countries offered, thus appealing to more students.

Participants in the study abroad program have strong feelings about the benefits of such programs.

KSU study abroad participant Andrea Carlson summed up her feelings about the program, "Anyone majoring in a foreign language should be required to study in a country where that language is spoken. Learning in the classroom just provides the basics. Being put in a situation where you are forced to speak the language pushes you to learn more."

Amel Ferrani commented on her recent trip to Cuba with KSU's study abroad program. "Traveling is the best tool for learning and understanding others."

The International Center at KSU sponsored a Study Abroad Fair in November to give additional students an opportunity to meet with faculty and students who have participated in the program and to learn about programs in Bermuda, China, Cuba, England, France, Ghana, Italy, Mexico and Russia.

In addition to the international student and study abroad programs, Kennesaw State offers other international programs through the International Center and the language department.

International Education Week is being celebrated nationwide Nov. 13 - 17. Kennesaw State University is proud to participate by offering these and other events.