Ana Karen Gatica Toledo , a student from Mexico , is studying at West Virginia State University .
Education as an Export
JESSICA KENNEDY
West Virginia has a people problem . As one of the few states nationwide facing a decline in population , it has also experienced a relatively flat rate of young people enrolling in its school systems for several years . While this could spell trouble for the state ’ s colleges and universities , which have traditionally relied on a steady infusion of recent high school graduates to fill classrooms each fall , higher education administrators are employing creative — and financially savvy — strategies to head off these problems by broadening their recruitment efforts .
“ It ’ s not about crossing state lines ,” says Dr . Clark Egnor , director of international programs at the West Virginia Higher
Education Policy Commission ( WVHEPC ). “ It ’ s about crossing hemispheres .”
According to a recent report from NAFSA : Association of International Educators , West Virginia is taking that advice to heart . NAFSA data shows that more than 4,000 international students are currently studying at West Virginia ’ s colleges and universities .
“ There ’ s enormous opportunity in enrolling international students ,” says Dr . Paul Hill , chancellor of the WVHEPC . “ These students add vibrancy to our university communities , and they offer diverse perspectives that foster an engaging learning environment .”
Campus Contributions
The cultural contributions of these students are often clearly visible on campus . Many schools coordinate international fairs or cultural exchange events . At Concord University , the International Students Club marches in the homecoming parade and sets up displays in the student center .
The exchange students ’ presence also provides a less obvious but critically important benefit : a strong , positive economic impact .
The NAFSA report estimates that West Virginia ’ s international student population contributed more than $ 115.4 million to the
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