International education showcased at CLU

(THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Oct. 24, 2011) California Lutheran University will highlight its increasing number of international students during a variety of International Education Week activities from Nov. 14 through 18.

The Thousand Oaks university has more international students than ever this year, with particularly strong growth at the graduate level. The number of foreign nationals taking classes this fall is 330, about 20 percent higher than last year and more than five times the level of 10 years ago. When all U.S. permanent residents who were born in other countries, students with dual citizenship, and students with a principal home address abroad are included, the number of CLU students with an international affiliation rises to 503.

The international MBA program that began in 2002 has been the biggest driver behind a decade of increases. More recently, CLU this year started an MBA program in Austria that includes an intensive two-week program on campus.

Meanwhile, international enrollment among traditional undergraduates has risen steadily and stands at 112 students.

CLU's foreign students come from 38 countries. The largest sending countries this year are China, Taiwan, Norway and Saudi Arabia, which boosted its scholarship offerings for study abroad.

The week also highlights study abroad experiences offered by CLU. This year CLU is sending more than 200 students on programs abroad, a 33 percent increase over last year.

International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education. With the theme "Our World," CLU's observance will open at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 14, with a parade of students carrying their national flags from Samuelson Chapel to the flagpole on the north side of Memorial Parkway, where a ceremony will be held. A panel of international students will discuss their experiences at CLU from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15 in Lundring Events Center. An International Chapel Service will be held at 10:10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, in Samuelson Chapel.

A World Fair will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 16 in the Pavilion. Performances by the CLU Poetry Slam club, a gospel choir and the Jishin Taiko Drummers from California State University, Northridge, are slated, as well as a Saudi Arabian sword dance and hip-hop presentation. There will also be food and at least 20 interactive displays on cultures represented at CLU. A closing ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18 at the flagpole and end with a parade of the flags back to the chapel.

All activities are free and open to the public. CLU's Office of Multicultural Programs and International Student Services and Office of Campus Ministry are sponsoring the events. For more information, call 805-493-3323 or 805-493-3228.