Record 400 international graduate students enrolled this fall

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Instead of partaking in the controversial practice of paying international recruiting agents to travel worldwide, Central Michigan University pays to have its profile appear in online directories.

As a result, the university has seen an increase in international students during the past three years.

The number of international students in graduate programs at CMU has increased from 259 students to 329 students since 2008.

“The university makes more money for having more international students,” said Tracy Nakajima, coordinator of international students. “They have to pay out-of-state tuition, which is around $25,000.”

This coming semester, nearly 400 international students are expected to partake in graduate level courses on campus. CMU uses recruitment websites such as Peterson’s Guides. The international undergraduate recruiting position is currently vacant.

“Students simply search what academic field they’re interested in, and if we have what they’re looking for, our profile appears,” said Rob Hassen, coordinator of graduate recruiting.

Hassen said CMU is already well-known nationally and internationally for its programs – more specifically, its graduate programs.

“Lots of international students choose to come to Central because they’ve heard they will gain a quality education,” Hassen said.

In addition to online directories, CMU sends representatives worldwide to inform international students of the university’s opportunities.

“We’ll travel to education fairs in other countries, set up a booth, and give information about CMU and the admissions process,” Nakajima said.

Nakajima said international students add diversity to campus and truly enhance the community.

“They rent apartments or student housing, buy groceries and go out to eat,” Hassen said. “Things like this make them part of the community as a whole.”