New SDSU International Student Center Opens with Student Numbers at Their Highest
San Diego State University is becoming an institution of choice for international students studying in the U.S. The number of international students is at its highest in university history at 1,895. During the 2007-08 school year, 1,709 international students from 94 different countries studied at the university, putting SDSU in the top 100 universities nationwide.
With more students the International Student Center needed more space, and on Dec. 11 SDSU opened the new ISC expansion on the west side of campus. The new buildings will house additional programming space, a study abroad library and offices. The expansion will also provide a new home for SDSU’s study abroad program for the first time – a program that is ranked second in the nation among U.S. universities of its type.
"Having a thriving international student program fosters goodwill world-wide and helps promote a more just and peaceful society," said Jane Kalionzes, interim director of SDSU’s International Student Center. "SDSU is becoming more known worldwide and has been successful because of the wide variety of programs available to international students."
Among the most popular programs for international students are engineering, computer science, international business and communication.
The majority of international students at SDSU come from such countries as India, Japan, China and Mexico. One-third of the students are from India, which is the leading country of origin for international students nation-wide.
According to the 2008 Open Doors Report, international students on U.S. campuses are at an all-time high, up seven percent from the previous year. California is also the leading host state for international students.
The new ISC expansion is located on the far northwest corner of campus and was funded by the generous help of donors Larry and Gigie Price, as well as other friends and Aztec families. The late Ron Moffatt, former director of the International Student Center, was integral in the success of the expansion.
The center provides a full range of services, including assistance with immigration issues, for international students and for SDSU students going abroad. It also hosts weekly cultural and social programming coordinated by the visiting students.
About San Diego State University
San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the university has grown to offer bachelor’s degrees in 81 areas, master’s degrees in 74 areas and doctorates in 16 areas. SDSU’s more than 34,000 students participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.
