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News

Foreign student numbers drop

Decline reflects pattern in universities nationwide, admissions director 

by MOHAMMED OLOKODE
The Daily Cougar

The UH Office of International Admissions reported a slight decrease in the number of international students attending the University from 2004 to 2005. 

The decline reflected an overall drop in universities across the United States.

According to NAFSA: Association of International Educators (National Association of Foreign Student Advisers), 40 percent of universities reported a drop in international students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate courses was caused by visa delays and denials.

NAFSA reported there was a 44 percent decline in continuing undergraduate students in 2005. 

UH had a smaller drop in international enrollment than the rest of the country, said Bridget Canty, assistant director of the International Admissions at UH.

According to a report by Open Doors, a publication on international students in the United States, UH rose to No. 19 in 2005 from No. 20 in 2004 in having the most international students among U.S. universities.

"We had a slight decrease … because the country overall had a drop. It's just that our drop was smaller," Canty said.

Canty said the reason students attend UH is because of early admission decision deadlines and buzz surrounding the school.

"Students were notified much earlier than before," Canty said. 

"The graduate department made earlier decisions; so did the admissions department of the undergraduates. Again, it's still word of mouth. They hear it from their friends about the University; the University has a strong reputation overseas."

However, there is competition from other countries in recruiting students, Canty said. 

UH departments have limits for recruiting international students. But UH plans to continue to cater to international students in order to increase enrollment.

Canty said, "Actually, we're working with the marketing department on ways of increasing (and) getting the word out on students, finding a way to notify the students and staying in touch with the students.

"We're starting a new marketing campaign. At the same time, we're also working with the computer people in marketing on a perspectives card where students … that show an inquiry to the University." Canty said. 

"We give them feedback immediately. So the administration is working with us and helping us to find ways of marketing and recruiting students." 

UH is hosting a Web-based seminar this week and inviting graduate and undergraduate departments to listen in to help develop more ideas, Canty said.

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