The impact of international students on campus has grown since the University of Minnesota celebrated its first international student on campus 150 years ago.
The University is home to over 6,000 international students, making up more than 10% of the total student body. It is rated 38th among research institutions in the international student population.
International students have made an impact on the University from the start.
The first international students from China arrived in 1914 and led the University’s soccer team. In 1949, the Minnesota Agricultural Student Trainee program was founded, which brought in students from around the world to learn agriculture skills that they could practice in their home country.
The National Defense Education Act was signed in 1958, which provided federal funding and support to universities with international students. In the 1990s, the University became home to over 3,000 students within programs in many different fields.
Throughout the years of hosting international students, the University has built strong connections with other countries, including research, partnerships and exchanges with local universities and organizations abroad.
How new immigration policies might affect international students
With new immigration policies, changes for international students may arise from submitting an application to their life on campus. The University has resources available for those who might be affected by these changes.
The University’s federal immigration policies website said it is committed to keeping all members of the community informed and updated to best comply with new laws and policies.
Any contact with law enforcement can have big consequences for immigrants, especially for international students, NPR reported. As student visa records were terminated, many colleges and universities were unsure how to proceed.
According to the Department of Homeland Security website titled “Study in the States,” there is no grace period with termination for any violation of status. If the students and their dependents are still in the U.S., they must reapply for reinstatement or leave the country immediately. With an authorized early withdrawal, students and their dependents must leave the country within 15 days of the termination date.
Schools ranging from prestigious private universities, large public research institutions and tiny liberal arts colleges discovered status terminations one after another among their students, the Associated Press reported.
According to an AP review of university statements, at least 1,024 students at 160 colleges, universities and university systems have had their visas revoked or their legal status terminated since late March.
Around 1.1 million international students were in the U.S. last year, providing a source of essential revenue for tuition-driven colleges, AP reported. Since international students are not eligible for federal financial aid, their ability to pay tuition often factors into whether they will be admitted, and often means they will pay full price.
Impact on campus
International students are great resources that help enhance learning opportunities in the classroom. They bring in new and diverse cultural perspectives and help educate other students about life outside of the U.S.
Having international students on campus creates an inclusive environment where people of all backgrounds feel welcome. International students greatly contribute to the University’s finances as they make up over 10% of the student body and have higher tuition fees than the standard residence rate.
Cost for international students
It costs $66,819 per year to be an international student and study at the University of Minnesota. Most of this cost — $38,518 — would cover tuition and fees for a full academic year. Mandatory health insurance covers 12 months at $3,590, as well as living expenses including housing, food, books and miscellaneous personal expenses at $24,711.
Depending on the program that the students are part of, additional mandatory fees may be required. These fees can range from $115 for Medical School to over $600 for the Carlson School of Management.
The Global Excellence Scholarship is a scholarship that automatically takes every international student admitted into consideration. This is a competitive scholarship that rewards students based on their academic performance in high school, and typically awards. These awards typically range from around $10,000-$15,000 per year and up to four years.
What it takes to become an international student
The University provides extensive information to international students looking to apply to the school, including an admissions timeline that starts before they apply. They are encouraged to take virtual tours, sign up for mailing lists, explore all the majors and programs and learn more about the English Language Proficiency requirements.
The application opens in August, as it requires students to fill out an online application, a $55 application fee, a self-reported academic record and a Certification of Finances Form. The University has three deadlines for applications, meaning that students who apply by a certain deadline will receive a decision by a certain date.
The housing application opens in November and all admitted freshmen who confirm their enrollment by paying a $325 confirmation fee by May 1 are guaranteed on-campus housing.
After the students are admitted and confirm their enrollment, they can submit an Undergraduate New Student I-20 Request form to the International Student and Scholar Services, or ISSS, at the University.
An I-20 is a form that proves that a student is legally enrolled in a program of study in the U.S. After a student submits the request form, ISSS will email information on how to receive the I-20 form, which will then be used for an F-1 visa application.
Prior to enrolling, all University students must successfully complete and graduate from their secondary school and submit their official and complete academic documents along with proof of graduation.
International students must also complete the International Student Preparation Course prior to arrival, which is the first step in completing new international student orientation requirements. The course is an overview of the University with information and resources that they can become familiar with before starting their academic journey.
Clubs and organizations
The ISSS is known for hosting events that engage and educate international students.
In November, they hosted a retreat for international students to gain leadership skills and connect to one another. Students participated in exercises to strengthen their communication and collaboration skills. These events are important because they leave students feeling empowered by hearing their voices and experiences, according to an M Global article.
ISSS has recently hosted “U.S. Government and Elections 101” in order to educate international students about how the United States government elections work.
Students also learned how they are allowed to participate in politics as non-citizens who cannot vote, donate to a candidate or have any role in the decision-making process. Earlier this year, they hosted their “We Are Glad You Are Here” event, where students connected, shared a meal and talked about their experiences on campus.