Academics

Study in the States informs prospective international students about Penn State

Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State hosts one of the largest international student bodies in the country. Now an enhanced version of the Department of Homeland Security’s Students and Exchange Visitor Program website, called Study in the States, will help new prospective international students learn about the University and share their culturally diverse experiences with other Penn State students.

To host international students, U.S. colleges and universities require certification by SEVP, which manages schools, nonimmigrant students and their dependents. The program collects data from certified universities and releases annual rankings based on enrollment numbers. According to SEVP’s most recent data, Penn State attracted 7,104 students pursuing academic degrees across all its campuses, 10th-largest among all schools. An additional 130 international students have enrolled in the Intensive English Communication Program. The turfgrass management and music professional certificate programs also welcomed a number of international students.

“It is always humbling to hear we are one of the top programs in the nation,” Masume Assaf, director of international student advising, said. “With this prominent visibility, prospective students and their parents can better understand the opportunities and advantages that accompany a Penn State education.”

Penn State’s University Office of Global Programs provides valuable resources for international students including admissions requirements, pre-arrival advising and visa information. The Study in the States site also provides detailed guides to studying in the United States. The enhanced website offers an interactive glossary of terms, frequently asked questions and a interactive map where prospective students can search for SEVP-certified schools, and serves as the official government information hub for both current and prospective students interested in studying in the United States.

Last Updated July 15, 2014