We've often wondered why there are so many international students at Plattsburgh State University. How do these young people from around the world hear about a small liberal arts college tucked away in the far reaches of northeastern New York State? And why do they enroll here?
Well, the world's largest international student survey group has shed some light on the situation. And we're not surprised.
The 2010 International Student Barometer has ranked Plattsburgh State as first in the world — in the world — in terms of making friends and first in the United States for student satisfaction with the overall learning environment. Further, the university ranked third in overall satisfaction among its global competitors and fifth in the world for satisfaction with the overall learning experience.
The competition? Overseas schools like Oxford, Edinburgh University, Kings College London, St. Andrews University and the University of Adelaide. American schools included Kent State, Northeastern, Michigan State and Drexel universities.
The survey results and subsequent honor reinforces the strengths of the college's programs and course offerings as well as how students feel they measure up against some of the best schools around the globe.
The International Student Barometer tracks decision-making, expectations, perceptions and experiences of international students through an online questionnaire. Responding to the survey were 157,964 students at 203 institutions worldwide.
Plattsburgh State also ranked first in the country and the world for student care and safety in residence halls and for its Office of International Student Services.
The university was also cited as first in the United States for academic-performance feedback, learning support, advice, financial aid, quality of lectures, good teachers, student advising and career help for students.
The local school has one of the largest international-student populations per capita of any comprehensive school in the State University of New York system with 385 students from countries such as Canada, Antigua, China, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Japan, Tanzania and India.
Plattsburgh State attributes its success with the international-student experience to its size. It can provide a high level of personalized attention in and out of the classroom because of the relatively intimate size of the college community.
And the presence of a large contingent of international students, both on campus and in the Plattsburgh community, enhances the experiences of all concerned. It certainly can be looked at as a positive educational opportunity for everyone.
It's another feather in Plattsburgh State's cap and further reinforces the thinking that the City of Plattsburgh and its environs is one of the friendliest places in the world.
