International Students

Students across the world drawn to PSU

When it comes to moving half a world away in order to attend college, Evelyn Yambay can sum it up with the clarity and emotion that only comes from experiencing it firsthand.

"Trying anything new is hard," said the 20-year-old biochemistry major from Paraguay. "It was a hard decision to come here, because I didn't want to leave my family. I was afraid because I was coming by myself. But I've gotten to know other people, and now I'm glad I'm here."

With students from all parts of the world looking for opportunities to study in the United States, Pittsburg State University and its idyllic Midwest location is an attractive option for families. This fall, nearly 500 international students from 40 different countries are enrolled. While many of the 180 new faces this year are graduate students working on degrees in business, human resource management, or are here to improve their English language skills, others are exploring majors they wouldn't have the chance to study in their home countries.

"We draw a lot of students from China and India, and it's a good opportunity for them because many of these countries don't have enough schools to accommodate everyone who wants to attend," said Chuck Olcese, director of PSU International Programs and Services. "These students are looking at a lot of different options regarding where they want to go to school. It's becoming a big business."

Pitt State is certainly doing its share of marketing. The 40-plus foreign-born PSU faculty assist the office in recruiting efforts, and PSU representatives regularly go overseas. Web marketing and word-of-mouth have also been contributing factors in seeing foreign admission numbers rise. This year, students have arrived from three new countries: Ghana, Sweden, and Ethiopia.

Once they learn about the welcoming community, the serene environment, as well as achievements such as this year's Paul Simon Campus Internationalization Award, Olcese says students are less hesitant to make the leap.

"I think one of the reasons they choose to come here is that when international students inquire about studying in this country, we try to be the first to respond to them. They'll apply to many different schools to see what feedback they'll get, and we aim to get an acceptance packet out the door within 48 hours," he said. "The choices can be so vast, they'll pick a town with familiarity, a place that's inexpensive and safe." 

Yambay says the dream of studying in the U.S. is still very appealing to foreign students. "In my country, it's a big deal to study in the United States. That perception is still there."

Majed Bojari, a graduate student from Saudi Arabia, said coming to PSU was an easy decision.

"I searched the Internet and asked some Saudi students about this university and they said it is one of the better ones for reading, writing, and English courses," he said. "I like the community; I like how people are willing to help you. I tell my friends at home about the U.S. and American culture and people."