Weber State sets school record with 830 international students
OGDEN, Utah — The international community at Weber State University is growing.
WSU boasted its largest enrollment of international students ever this fall at 372 new students, bringing the total number of that population to 832.
A combination of targeted recruitment efforts, partnerships with agents, enhanced name recognition, and Weber State’s affordable tuition led to the surge of international enrollment, said Mary Machira, executive director of WSU’s Office of International Programs and Services.
“Most students cite affordability as a key factor, along with Utah's reputation as a safe state, which appeals to parents,” Machira said. “Additionally, Weber State offers a wide range of programs, providing students with diverse academic options.”
Sulav Chhetri from Kathmandu, Nepal, chose WSU to get his master’s degree in education, with a focus on higher education leadership. During the enrollment process, he appreciated the quick responses and help he received from staff.
“Being someone who has already worked in education, I was very happy to see the university meeting up with my expectations while equally focusing and prioritizing students' access, persistence and success more than anything else,” Chhetri said.
More than half of Weber State’s international students are from Nepal. Machira said they are often drawn to WSU by positive word-of-mouth and the sense of community created by Nepalese students in Utah.
“I feel glad to see so many Nepali students coming to Utah,” Chhetri said. “Their presence kind of makes me feel that I am not very far away from home.”
After Nepal, WSU’s international population is largely made up of students from Vietnam, Japan, India, China, Rwanda, Brazil, Myanmar, Germany, the Philippines and South Korea among others.
Having international students on campus enriches cultural experiences and classroom discussions for everyone, Machira said.
“Their presence enhances our academic programs and provides unique perspectives, broadening the horizons of Weber State students who may not have the opportunity to study abroad,” she said. “For international students, Weber State offers the prestige of studying at a U.S. university, along with access to learning experiences and extracurricular opportunities that may not be available in their countries.”
Through Optional Practical Training, international students can work in their field of study for up to 12 months after graduation, with STEM majors having the option to extend for an additional 24 months.
Visit the International Student & Scholar Center website for more information.
Jessica Kokesh, Marketing & Communications
801-626-7316, jessicakokesh@weber.edu- Contact:
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Rachel Badali, news coordinator
801-626-7362, rachelbadali@weber.edu
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