Internationals at Eastern
When Kentucky is a Foreign Land International students and faculty enrich Eastern Right now, there are students all over the world reading about Eastern, talking to their professors, friends and family and considering life in far-away Richmond, Kentucky. Many take the plunge. Currently, more than 230 students from 61 countries attend Eastern, a 41% increase over last year’s international enrollment. Dr. Neil Wright, director of international education, cites the magnet of academic quality, particularly in computer science, chemistry, mathematics, business and technology. The college of justice & safety draws students from Saudi Arabia to study fire safety engineering; public health programs attract many Indians, and five university exchange programs entice students from more than a dozen countries. Students appreciate Eastern’s small classes, commitment to student success and price/quality ratio, while its safe, small-town setting reassures families. The presence of international students at Eastern enriches the academic and cultural experience of all students. The Eastern community also benefits from the 40+ international faculty members who bring a multicultural dimension to classrooms, helping to prepare students for an increasingly global workplace. “I’m a better person and thinker because of his dedication,” writes one student of Moroccan-born English professor, My Mustapha Jourdini. Another praises the “pure genius” of philosophy professor Dr. Patrick Nnoromele of Nigeria who presents multiple perspectives so evenly, so insistent on careful, independent analysis that, the grateful student concludes, “I got headaches from thinking so hard.” “One of my priorities is to increase international opportunities and global awareness for both students and faculty,” says President Doug Whitlock as his administration works to broaden relationships with
foreign institutions and increase international enrollment. These students, notes Wright, model educational and career focus. They have to: the F-1 student visa requires a detailed “program of study” before acceptance at a U.S. university. The required Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) demands a mastery of grammar and vocabulary which “would stump many Americans,” admits Wright. International students typically bring excellent math skills. And they persevere: 75 percent of those attending U.S. colleges and universities graduate in four years, besting national averages for their native-born classmates. Yet international students face unique challenges, notes Wright. While Eastern offers targeted merit-based scholarships, discretionary funds may be limited, travel is expensive and some won’t see their families until graduation or are the only ones from their country on campus. Computer registration, discussion-based classes, group projects and research standards must be mastered, as well as American customs, diet and dialect. A warning about Kentucky winters simply may not translate to visitors from warm climates who don’t own a heavy coat. Worst of all, there’s precious little a student or faculty member can do besides worry if a family emergency strikes thousands of miles away or homeland politics take a difficult turn. Hemmed in by visa restrictions, Jourdini has not been home for 11 years. Shops in Lexington sell ingredients for familiar Moroccan dishes, “but family is irreplaceable.” Fortunately, says Beth Blanchard of the office of international education, “We’re here. We are very intentional about being available, welcoming and supportive. Students come with administrative, academic, financial and personal concerns, and we are their advocates.
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