New international student Seif Eldeen Aldahiyat from Jordan was one of 352 new international students from 70 countries beginning their studies this fall with FSU. Aldahiyat said one of the main reasons he chose FSU was the amazing reputation FSU has nationwide. Due to the global pandemic, only 29 new students received visas to enter the U.S., 47 FSU graduates started new degree programs, and 105 students transferred to FSU from other U.S. institutions. An additional 171 of the newly admitted international students for fall began their studies from their home countries.

Aldahiyat graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and transferred to FSU to pursue a master’s degree in integrated marketing communication. “There are multiple reasons why I chose FSU," Aldahiyat said. "In addition to the reputation, another important factor was the diverse student body and faculty which made it very easy to settle in and feel welcomed. I saw the many opportunities available to FSU students through involvement with RSOs as another important benefit. I am joining Alpha Kappa Psi, a business fraternity, as well as the American Marketing Association for additional professional development."

The majority of newly admitted international students who were outside the U.S. were unable to obtain student visas in time to arrive for fall semester due the fact that U.S. consulates around the world have been closed. However, 171 of the newly admitted students for fall were determined to be FSU students and enrolled online from their home countries.

"I chose FSU because of its reputation, its location, and because of the amazing scholarship I received from FSU," said Diya Choudhary, a new FSU freshman majoring in physics who is taking her classes remotely from India. "Studying virtually is going amazing. All my teachers and my classmates are very helpful and I'm having a great time." Choudhary just recently received her visa in India and plans to arrive at FSU for spring semester.

Dae Yeon Kim (Rex) is another newly admitted freshman from South Korea who is studying remotely this semester. He hopes to receive a student visa soon so that he can arrive for spring. He is majoring in music, and said he chose FSU because he knows he's valued here and FSU cares about him. "Whenever I had questions and problems, there were people to help me out," Kim said. "They offered me good conditions that fit my circumstances. Also, recently, I am learning various things through online classes. The system of FSU education is well constructed."

Countries with the highest number of international students new to FSU this fall include China, Panama, South Korea, India, and Venezuela.

This semester the CGE launched a new monthly newsletter for international students. The newsletter highlights CGE programs and campus resources to help students stay connected during this period of remote learning and social distancing.