International student population breaks previous record

As UW-Whitewater welcomes one of the largest freshman classes, it is also greeting its' largest number of International students in its' history. With 131 students from all around the globe, the 2008-09 school year is shaping up to be a diverse one for the university.

"We as a campus are becoming more involved in international education programs as international education is becoming a part of the university's involvement plan," Director of International Education and Programs Harlan Smith said. "We had a sharp decrease in international students after 9/11 and I think we are finally starting to move away from that."

International Student Advisor Jessica Harmatys said increased recruitment efforts and improved programming to help international students adjust also have had an impact.

"As they start to bond and feel a part of the University, they feel more at home here," she said. "In past years, without these programs, they've been left to adjust on their own."

Hamine Yameogo, from West Africa, said he likes UW-Whitewater so far, but thinks the town is somewhat isolated and wants to visit Madison or Milwaukee.

"I think it's a great town, to come and study," he said. "It's great for individual studies at the same time it's difficult because we don't know where to go during breaks."

Harmatys said one of the first activities the group participated it was football lessons, followed by UW-Whitewater first home game of the year.

"Most did not know of the game, it's mainly soccer where they're from," she said.

Another program has been set up for the international students to feel a part of an American home.

By setting up host families for the students, the program allows them to go home with another student during some weekends and also for the many important holidays celebrated here in the states.

Many of the students have never celebrated the holidays as American families do, which makes it a very exciting experience for all involved.

Yameogo, who is also the p president of the International Student Association, said he thinks the new conversation partners program is something that was really needed.

"It's positive to know about the country" Yameogo said. "The conversation partner is very helpful both ways, Americans learn about our countries' and we learn about America."

Harmatys has also started a program for conversation partners as well as host families for the students. Any domestic students who wish to become a conversation partner or part of a host family for the International students should contact Harmatys through e-mail harmatyj@uww.edu.