International Students Contribute More Than $304 Million to North Carolina Economy

In the recent report, UNCG ranked fifth in the state out of more than 60 institutions of higher education contributing over $11 million to the North Carolina economy through their international student programs. UNCG was out-ranked only by larger institutions such as Duke University and NC State University. During the 2010-2011 academic year, it is estimated that UNCG served about 547 foreign students. International students at other institutions in the Greensboro area also significantly contributed to the local economy which, when combined with UNCG, resulted in more than $16 million of total spending in Guilford County.

According to NAFSA, international students contribute more to local communities than just money.  They foster positive relationships between the U.S. and other countries, bring global perspective to U.S. classrooms, contribute to university-wide programs, and increase the demand for university level science and engineering courses which in turn increases access to those programs for U.S. students. In an effort to better inform potential international students of the benefits of studying in North Carolina, the University of North Carolina (UNC) General Administration has recently launched a new website, http://studynorthcarolina.us , for anyone wanting to learn more about the opportunities available through the UNC university system. UNCG and the International Programs Center (IPC) are proud to serve so many talented students from around the world and hope to continue fostering international relationships as part of a global community.

International Education Week a Success!

IPC had another successful International Education Week (IEW) from November 14-18.  The 2011 IEW celebration started with a preview event on Saturday, November 12th, called African Night which was sponsored by the International Student Association (ISA). During the week, IPC staff and other UNCG faculty and staff participated in various informational and educational events.  Debra Slade from the UNCG Financial Aid Office and Tom Martinek, Jr. presented information for students preparing to travel abroad on financial aid considerations.  Logan Stanfield offered a workshop for the directors of faculty-led study abroad programs, and Dr. Penelope Pynes and Michael Elliott offered a workshop to university faculty and staff about intercultural sensitivity. Also, the Bryan School of Business’s Heidi Fischer, Assistant Director and Coordinator for International Student Services, offered students and parents the opportunity to learn more about UNCG exchange programs through two student panels. Information sessions for were also held for undergraduate and graduate students that explored how to travel abroad and for international students to learn more about working in the U.S.