Spotlights
GVSU Hosts Record Number of International Students
October 19, 2021
An update from Kate Stoetzner, Director of International Student & Scholar Services, Padnos International Center
GVSU is hosting a record number of new international students this Fall. We are fortunate that so many new students were still eager to study at GVSU. We have two full-time onsite recruiters, Kirthi Kondapalli, in India, and the other, Leah Ling, in China. They are supporting the efforts of Chris Hendree in Admissions as well as the graduate program directors. Kirthi was able to increase interest for GVSU and our academic programs, and we have seen a big influx of students from India. This fall, we have 176 new international students at GVSU. We have a total international student enrollment of 400 students. And 98 are from India! The students are excited to be here, and our Indian students are organizing a GVSU Indian Student Association, which will be advised by Dr. Vijay Bhuse in Computer Science. We anticipate numbers will continue to grow, especially once China opens up again.
The Padnos International Center is currently working on outreach to students to be sure they are adjusting academically, culturally, socially, and also to our weather! One consistent theme we are hearing is that students are not feeling connected to other students or to faculty and staff. I’d love to request any reader who interacts with students to take time to ask how they are doing and if they need help. As employees, we know all of the services that GVSU provides, but we must help spread the word. Students are also looking for suggestions on how to connect to people and groups in the city of Grand Rapids. Additionally, students love to hear how to dress for the impending weather. If you have tips and tricks to purchase warm clothes, layer clothes, things like that, taking time to explain to an international student would be much appreciated!
If you know students who are interested in connecting with international students, please recommend joining the student organization, Bringing Together the World (BTW).