International population grows to record high

This fall Northwestern University welcomed its largest-ever incoming class of international students: 2,100 new students from more than 100 countries around the world. The new class pushes Northwestern’s total international population to more than 7,000 students, scholars and family members.

Northwestern’s total international population has increased 200 percent over the last decade. In 2006, the University enrolled approximately 550 new international students as compared to 2,100 this year.

“After months of preparation, we’re excited to welcome our new international students to campus,” said Ravi Shankar, director of the International Office. “They’ve endured jet lag, initial culture shock and goodbyes to family and friends as they prepare for the next phase of their academic and professional journeys.”

To help prepare new international students for life at Northwestern, International Office staff members traveled this summer to India, China and South Korea, three of the most highly represented countries of this year’s class, to meet students on their home ground. In-country orientation sessions, known as NU In, highlighted American academics, culture shock and campus life.

RELATED: See photos from this year’s International Office orientation events.

The growth in international students reflects key goals of Northwestern’s strategic plan, Northwestern Will, by strengthening the campus community through diversity and expanding the University’s impact at home and abroad.