Purdue recognized for programs integrating international, American students

January 26, 2015  


Boiler Gold Rush international

The Institute of International Education has recognized Purdue's programs, such as its BGRi - Boiler Gold Rush international leaders (pictured) - aimed at helping international students acclimate to campus while encouraging more interaction with American students. (Photo provided)
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University's programs aimed at helping international students acclimate to campus while encouraging more interaction with American students are being recognized by the Institute of International Education.

The institute announced on Monday (Jan. 26) that Purdue's International Programs received an honorable mention for the 2015 IIE Heiskell Award in Innovation in International Education category of Internationalizing the Campus. Purdue International Integration Initiative (P3i) also will be featured by the institute's IIENetwork as a best practice in international education. Purdue has the second largest international student population among public universities.

"Purdue appeals to many students because of the global experience that is a part of university life and learning," said Michael Brzezinski, dean of international programs. "We appreciate the recognition highlighting how Purdue is enhancing interactive learning experiences between international and American students."

P3i targets academic, social and cultural themes prior to students' arrival in West Lafayette and includes onsite programs such as BGRi, Boiler Gold Rush international; and MIX, the Multinational Integration Xchange. Thanks to these programs that help international students adjust culturally and academically to university life, nearly 90 percent of international first-year students were matched with an American student this fall, said David Ayers, associate dean of international programs.

"Internationalization does not automatically occur with large international enrollments, and with 23 percent of Purdue's 39,000 students from abroad, student integration is essential for a positive campus climate and to facilitate intercultural learning," Ayers said.

Purdue's International Programs also provides local service opportunities, supplemental integrative language learning, travel to points of interest, in-depth analyses of U.S. culture and leadership development opportunities. International students also have the opportunity to learn about the local community through a volunteer program, Boiler Out!, or through friendships with community members as part of the International Friendship Program.

Texas Christian University won the Internationalizing the Campus category and Higher School of Economics in Russia also received an honorable mention. The other categories are Study Abroad, International Partnerships and Internationalizing the Community College. These winners also will be recognized on March 20 at the annual IIE Best Practices Conference in New York City. 

Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, 765-494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu 

Sources: Michael Brzezinski, 765-494-9399, mbrzezinski@purdue.edu

David Ayers, 765-494-8463, davidayers@purdue.edu 

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