Miami University Hamilton (MUH) is working to increase diversity by encouraging international students to enroll in classes at the campus.
According to Chen Ferguson, director of International Initiatives at MUH, currently 38 countries are represented at the Hamilton regional campus.
"Miami students gain a global perspective when they interact with international students because most do not have the time or finances to travel to different countries and experience different cultures," Ferguson said. "Having exchange students allows that to happen."
A majority of exchange students study at a regional campus for one semester during their enrollment at Miami. When studying at regional campuses, international students stay at local apartments, as there are no residence halls, according to Ferguson.
Ferguson said he hopes to increase the numbers of Chinese exchange students by promoting the benefits of global awareness and the importance of gaining experience with different cultures.
Many Miami students participate in study abroad programs where they interact with students from around the world to gain and international view on life.
Senior Ashley Leonard had the opportunity to intern in Istanbul, Turkey, through AIESEC'S international program.
"My experience in Turkey helped me to see the tremendous benefits of immersing yourself into a culture that is unique to your own," Leonard said.
Miami University Middletown (MUM) is also making efforts to increase the number of international students on the branch campus. Janis Toennisson, director of public affairs at MUM, had been in contact with Ferguson to coordinate plans to gain international diversity among the students.
"We are in full support of Chen Ferguson's proposal to increase numbers of international students at the regional campuses," Toennisson said.
Allowing international students to study at one of the regional campuses will expose Miami students to a range of languages, cultures and traditions.
"I think it is a great idea to allow international students to attend both regional campuses," said junior Andy Snyder, "it gives them the opportunity to interact with even more students here at Miami."
According to the Office of International Education's Web site at http://www.units.muohio.edu/internationalprograms/admitted.php, international students attend an orientation where they register for class, speak with academic advisers and learn about the Academic Preparation and Culture Program (APCP) when they arrive at Miami.
The Office of International Education's Web site said the APCP "begins in early August before all other activities for new international students. It is designed to help introduce you to academic life and to Miami University and provide experience in everyday cultural and language practices of this country."
Junior Brittaney Gardner said she is supportive of more international students at Miami.
"All three of Miami's campuses make a great effort in accommodating the needs of international students by providing them with the tools they need to succeed," Gardner said.
