Academic Choice and Affordability are Key to Southern Illinois University’s International Appeal

August 8, 2014

 

Home to nearly 20,000 students, Southern Illinois University (SIU) is located in Carbondale, Illinois, a town nestled in the idyllic woodlands near the Shawnee National Forest.

 

The university offers over 200 undergraduate programs, over 70 graduate programs, and 30 Ph.D. programs. Historically recognized for its engineering, law, and environmental management programs, SIU also boasts some of the top aviation, automotive, and anthropology programs in the nation.

 

As an accessible, tier one research institution with a multitude of academic options, it is apparent why SIU hosts over 1,300 international students. Brazilian student enrollment has been rising each semester, and is currently over 190 students.

 

In 2016, SIU’s Center for English as a Second Language will celebrate its 50th anniversary, making it one of country’s longest standing programs.

 

Brazil represents a strong international educational partner for SIU, an ongoing relationship the university has worked hard to cultivate. An exciting example of the university’s dedication to integration is the Brazilian English Teacher program, an intensive community immersion program, educating English teachers about American history and culture. This program provides exposure to American art, architecture, and music by visiting a variety of culturally rich US cities.

 

A recently formed collaboration among the Center for English as a Second Language, the Center for International Education, and the Graduate School ensures SIU coordinates efforts to effectively recruit, engage, and support international students, especially for those who may not be fluent in English or familiar with US culture.

 

“It’s a small town, but in this small town there’s an incredibly large range of nationalities, ethnicities, and linguistic groups.” - C. Ernst.

 

SIU CESL faculty Dr. Cheryl Ernst explained, “The vast majority of our students are on an academic track. We do more than just English skills practice. In our classrooms, there is a lot of acculturation, so when students get to the university, they have a much quicker adjustment time.”

 

“A lot of times, we find that international students, in particular, will come for an exchange and like it so much that they want to come back for their bachelor’s degree because we have so many programs,” added SIU International Recruitment Coordinator, Cheryl Barnett. “At the graduate level, we also have a lot of different options for assistantships and teaching assistantships that provide funding.”

 

The university awards scholarships for high-achieving students, some of which may mitigate the out-of-state tuition costs and include a monthly stipend.

 

Ms. Barnett expanded, “Most of our courses are taught by Ph.D. professors who are definitely experts in the field. Being a public institution we consider SIU to be the perfect mix of accessibility and excellence in academics for both domestic and international students.”

 

Beyond academics it is important for prospective students to understand that diversity and multiculturalism are qualities the SIU and Carbondale communities embrace. Located in an beautiful rural setting away from an urban center, SIU serves as a cultural hub for the area.

 

“It’s a small town, but in this small town there’s an incredibly large range of nationalities, ethnicities, and linguistic groups,” said Dr. Ernst.

 

Aerial view of the SIU campus