International students steady at CMU
Pratik Chhetri is one of approximately 500 international students studying at Central Michigan University this fall.
And he said his life was completely changed by his experience at Central Michigan University.
Two years ago, when the Nepal junior traveled to America to further his education, he discovered educational opportunities at CMU as an international student.
“Within this short span of my time at CMU, even being an international student, I have been able to accomplish so many things from awards to leadership experience, research, and I am really glad that I came to CMU for my undergraduate,” he said.
Chhetri is one of many international students coming in droves to CMU. This year, the number of international students is expected to average between 450 and 550 people, said Mark Poindexter, the executive director of the Office of International Education, but numbers are not growing drastically.
“Some students don’t register until the last minute, so we’re not getting any hard statistics,” Poindexter said. “We’ve had students show up from more than 30 different countries but, this year, at least more than 50 different countries, that has been the trend for the last few years. It reflects national trends, not just CMU.”
Last year, there were about 517 international students, undergraduates and graduates, and this number varies depending on how many students graduate or become reclassified as a permanent resident, Poindexter said.
“Some instances which students’ family come here and they have since become resident, that is not real common, but that happens,” he said.
The number of international students has not increased or reduced significantly because of the harsh economic times, Poindexter said.
“We’re not expecting a lot of international students because it costs a lot more to get to the U.S., and higher tuition would make it difficult for some students financially,” he said.
‘We are all humans’
Donna Mayes, secretary of the Office of International Education, said China and India are CMU’s biggest enrollment.
One of the primary reasons international students are at CMU is because of word-of-mouth, Poindexter said.
“In many cases, CMU has a relationship with an organization in their country, and it is through CMU with their contacts and educational organizations that a lot of students find out about us, and I think this is a very comprehensive university that appeals to a lot of students,” Poindexter said.
There are no special preferences for international students to live on or off campus. To help students become locally acquainted with cultural customs, there is a Friendship Family program in Mount Pleasant that links international students with local families in Mount Pleasant.
“Had I not come here, I would definitely not be the same person who I am today,” Chhetri said. “In terms of culture, education, traditions, dresses and language, there is a big difference but, at the same time, no matter where you go, we all are humans.”
