Oct 22, 2024
International students are important to the international business ecosystem and the state economy in Kansas. Global competition for international students is increasingly strong as foreign universities rise in the rankings of institutions of higher education and as schools recognize the value of international student attraction. Even within the U.S. market, competition to enroll international students is immense given the number of choices that students have. Launched in June 2023, with the assistance of the U.S. Commercial Service, Study Kansas aims to put Kansas on the world map of higher-ed options for international students. It provides students with information about educational opportunities in the state and helps connect them to our educational institutions so that they can experience why they should choose Kansas for their home away from home as they pursue an educational path toward a successful future.
As Kansans, we might take for granted the quality of education available through our state research institutions, teaching universities, and community and technical colleges. We might also take for granted the value of our welcoming communities, safe environments and beautiful campuses. These, however, are strong selling points once our schools can connect with international students. A barrier to attracting students, however, is being able to connect with potential international students and their families in the first place. This is where Study Kansas comes in. It helps promote the state’s educational brand and facilitate one-on-one communication between prospective students and our colleges and universities. According to Study Kansas Chair Brian Powers, the nonprofit “is excited to get to work promoting all of the qualities that make Kansas an ideal destination not only for international education, but also for tourism, business development, and more.”
So why is international student attraction important to the state of Kansas? According to NAFSA, international students have direct financial impact to our institutions of higher education and their surrounding communities:
While they are in the state, students also contribute to the economy by increasing the available workforce for employers.
In addition to the economic impact, international students contribute to the educational culture at our schools. Exposure to international students and their cultures helps to broaden the experiences of our students and members of surrounding communities. Moreover, international students are often strong contributors to our research programs as well as our sports teams and so contribute back to our educational institutions in multiple ways beyond direct economic impact.
As we consider reasons why international student attraction is important, it is worth noting that international education is included in the National Export Strategy. The International Trade Administration also points out: “Education is an important element of our trade relationships with countries worldwide. Promoting study in the United States strengthens our economic development through innovation, workforce development, and attracting foreign direct investment.”
As Brian Powers remarks, “the best publicity that you can have is your satisfied customer.” When international students travel around the world and talk about the quality of their education in Kansas and the positive experiences that they have, this helps promote the state. So, by bringing in students from other countries, helping them find the right fit amongst the high-quality educational institutions in Kansas, making sure that they are welcome and participate in the opportunities available, Study Kansas and its member organizations help create brand ambassadors for Kansas.
International students are an important part of our international business ecosystem in the State of Kansas for many reasons which is why Global Resources is happy to partner with Study Kansas and our institutions of higher education in the state of Kansas to support international student attraction.
Laurie Pieper, Ph.D., CGBP
Assistant Director, Global Resources
International Division, Kansas Department of Commerce
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