While many colleges only spread the word about their strong academics to internationals, Washington University also shares it’s warm and inviting atmosphere.
As a result, despite a smaller class of 1346 freshmen, the number of incoming international freshmen has increased from last year to 70 with students enrolled at each of the five schools at the University.
These students represent 20 countries from Canada and South Korea to the more exotic nations of Romania and Turkey. Living so far away raises the questions of how international students hear about the University and why they come to Washington University.
“We recruit international students by sending them mail about the University and by making our information readily available. We also have had counselors from all over the world come to visit us,” said Director of Admissions Nanette Tarbouni.
The exchange of information goes in the opposite direction too. Admissions counselors at the University travel to Asia and Europe, University faculty hold overseas symposiums on interesting fields such as genetics and Chancellor Mark Wrighton conducts numerous international public relations trips to places such as Chile.
Stacy Huang, a freshman in the Olin School of Business from Taiwan had never even heard of the University until admissions counselors visited her high school, Singapore American School.
“Wash. U.’s ranking was the deciding factor,” Stacy said.
The University is currently tied with Cornell University for 12th place on the U.S. News Best American College rankings.
Though many students have had the personal experiences of clarifying that Washington University is in St. Louis and not in Washington state or Washington D.C., the campus’s location is a big plus.
“Being in the Midwest is a very positive factor as there is a very helpful atmosphere,” said Kathy Steiner-Lang, director of the Office of International Scholars and Students.
According to Steiner-Lang, the Midwest’s friendliness has translated into a welcoming effect for international students.
Renault Young is in the Engineering school and moved to the University from Indonesia but is from Taiwan. He heard of Washington University from his friends, teachers and students who had gone from his school as well as his sister who was waitlisted here. Young sent off an e-mail inquiry to learn more.
“Wash. U. sent me lots of info and had quick responses in emails which was great,” said Young.
While many students have heard about the Midwestern charm, others have already experienced it first hand.
Steve Sim, an Arts & Sciences student of Korean descent from Canada, had planned on participating in the Pre-Orientation program LAUNCH. Unfortunately, on the eve of his departure, Sim was taken to Barnes-Jewish hospital that night after complaining of acute pain near his stomach; an appendectomy was performed to prevent his appendix from bursting.
What seems like a negative introduction into Washington University actually was not.
“I became more excited,” said Sim. “My RAs and RCDs visited the hospital at night, making me feel more welcomed. My RCDs even stayed in my room from 11 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.”
With so many positive experiences here at Washington University, new international students are already telling their friends back home to apply.
The potential for even more international students adding to the myriad of ethnicities currently represented on campus is very real as the world comes to St. Louis.