The United States is easily the most popular destination for students looking to study abroad, and FDU is one of the nation’s most desired institutions.

Last year, nearly 70 percent of all students studying abroad journeyed to the United States, a total of 491,000 students, according to “Open Doors,” a survey published by the nonprofit Institute of International Education with support from the U.S. State Department.

Students primarily cite the opportunity to study in strong academic programs and the prestige associated with an American degree as the greatest attractions.

FDU has enjoyed great success in attracting international students. The University has approximately 700 students from more than 60 countries, which ranks 18th in the United States among master’s institutions, according to the study.

China sent the most students to the United States (51,000), followed by Japan (47,000) and South Korea (43,000). India (194 students at FDU), Taiwan (162) and Korea (75) are the top three countries represented on FDU’s campuses.

New Jersey ranked 11th in the country in the number of international students last year, with 11,189 people from abroad enrolled at colleges and universities in the state. These students contributed an estimated $264.1 million to the state’s economy, the Open Doors report says.

FDU’s position as a leader in the instruction of international students has been helped greatly by the diversity of its programs, its overseas programs, its proximity to New York City and the fact that the University has established a successful and well-networked group of international alumni. Many students see a chance not only to gain a strong educational background but also to experience a multicultural and multinational environment. Their presence further enhances the FDU campuses and brings another dimension to the University’s classrooms.

The University’s Office of International Student Services provides a variety of support services for incoming international students, as well as an ongoing counseling program designed specifically for students from abroad. These include orientation programs to facilitate the adjustment of international students to the American system of education and to offer insight into the cultural life of the United States. Cultural and social programs are sponsored for international students to truly experience the Teaneck-Hackensack and Florham-Madison communities. Immigration counseling, including aid with extensions of stay and interpreting federal regulations, completing employment requests and other matters pertaining to students leaving and re-entering the United States, are important functions of the office.

Workshops on employment are offered weekly to encourage compliance with federal law and with University policy. The employment workshops cover both on-campus and off-campus work. An annual tax workshop also is given early in the spring semester for students who earn fellowships, scholarships or stipends so that they can file a U.S. tax return.

In addition to the regular student organizations and activities on campus, FDU international students have the opportunity to join several international clubs to become more active members of the FDU community. These clubs include the Chinese Student Association, Chinese Christian Fellowship, Indian Cultural Experience, Japan Associate Club and the Korean Student Organization.

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