By Stephanie Oss

Published May 07, 2010

Ayumi Imuya is a 22 year old international college student from Chiba, Japan, who attends UW-River Falls.

Imuya has been an international student at UWRF for four years. She is majoring in communication studies with a minor in international studies. “I decided to come to

school here to learn English,” said Imuya. “I’m surprised with how much I have learned about the United States and I know a lot of people when I’m on campus.”

UWRF is currently trying to increase the number of international students here on campus. To do this, International Student Services is advertising UWRF to international students by emphasizing certain aspects of the school. With over 150 student clubs and organizations, a student to teacher ratio of 23:1 and classes that are taught by professors rather than teaching assistants, UWRF makes for a smaller, more intimate learning environment which benefits international students.

“The small classes make it easier for students to ask questions and get extra help if needed. When you’re in a country and in a school that is not taught in your first language, having easy access to the professor and other resources make school much easier,” Katie Oenga of International Student Services said.

There are currently 6,222 undergraduate students at UWRF, 77 of which are international students. This is a 4 percent increase from last school year when there were 74 international students. International students come to UWRF from around the world to get an education and experience a different culture and way of life. UWRF currently has international students from Japan, China, Taiwan, Mexico, Finland, India, Germany, Australia, Malaysia, France, South Korea, Kenya, Canada, Nigeria and Turkey.

“International students who come to UWRF develop foreign language skills or pursue unique academic offerings, increase cross-cultural awareness in an environment of increasing globalization, develop independence, selfconfidence and a broadened outlook on life and gain firsthand knowledge about another culture while increasing understanding of one’s own,” according to the International Student Services Web site.

After attending school at UWRF for four years, Imuya graduates this May. After graduation she said she plans to stay in America for at least a few more years.

“I have learned so much and would like to stay longer than a few years, but can’t say for sure yet,” Imuya said.

For more information on international students at UWRF, you can call the Global Connections Office, located at 102 Hagestad Hall at 425-4891.