The Current

News from International Services

International Services Thrives at UB

International Services Thrives at UB

Article by Beth Bohac

The Current had a chance to sit down recently with Wendy Burgess, director of UB's International Services Office, to talk about recent developments in UB's international community. The ISO is thriving—this important office is now expanding its services in many directions to meet the University's new international initiatives.

The ISO office, housed in AC 111, is an open, welcoming spot, filled with color and a lot of student-centric information. There, students and faculty can learn about special UB programs for international students, as well as study abroad opportunities for domestic students. In Fall 2008, international enrollment reached 227—its highest level since 2003. The ISO also is responsible for approximately 60 international students who have graduated but still are in the U.S. engaged in practical training employment related to their UB major.

Students come from countries all over the globe, including China, Central Europe, South America and Africa. The ISO offers pre- and post-arrival visa services, a full-day orientation and, in conjunction with the Academic Resource Center, an opportunity to be matched with conversation partners and peer advisors and to enroll in the ARC's University Success Seminar. Students also learn about American communication styles, the culture and demands of U.S. higher education and how to navigate UB and Baltimore.

The first German participant in UB's program enrolled this semester as part of the Merrick School of Business's new exchange agreement with the Berlin School of Economics. The ISO also welcomed an exchange student from Erasmus University in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, as part of the Law School's ongoing participation in the European-American Consortium on Legal Education. 

Why do so many international students choose UB?

"UB offers some unique programs and a very professional classroom atmosphere that differs from the classroom and campus culture at many other universities," said Burgess. 

International students say they appreciate the blend of classroom instruction with professional opportunities. Burgess added that they see this as being a key to reaching their own career goals, whether they chose to stay in the United States or return to their home countries.

At the same time, an increasing number of UB students are visiting the ISO for study abroad information. 

"More students than ever before, from the freshman through graduate levels, are exploring options to incorporate transfer credit from an overseas learning experience into their UB curriculum. We are very supportive and excited about their enthusiasm," Burgess said. 

Through its U.S. Department of State-designated Exchange Visitor Program, the ISO also has arranged for four foreign research scholars and professors to visit UB this fall at the invitation of the School of Law and the Yale Gordon College of Liberal Arts. Departments that wish to host visitors through this program are encouraged to contact the ISO at ext. 4756. 

As Burgess put it, "These individuals, as well as international students, bring to our campus global perspectives and contacts that are critical to student, faculty and staff civic engagement beyond our borders.  International educational exchange is a component of public diplomacy, academic learning and personal and professional awareness that benefits everyone."

The campus community is invited to participate in the ISO's International Education Week '08 activities, scheduled for Nov. 17-20. For more information, visit the ISO events calendar at www.ubalt.edu/international.

Beth Bohac is a freelance writer and development professional currently working in UB's Institutional Advancement Office.