November
19, 2004
By
the Numbers: Global
Education on Campus
With 16% of its
student body composed of international students from more than
70 countries, Mount Holyoke ranks 1st in international student
diversity among selective national liberal arts colleges. The
faculty is even more internationally diverse; more than 30% of
faculty members were born abroad. In spring 2004, the Center
for Global Initiatives asked MHC students to assess the impact
of internationalism on campus. 1,050 students replied. Below
are stats from the survey results.
The responses indicate that the College’s international
diversity has a profound impact on educational outcomes. 84.6% of students indicated that internationalism at Mount Holyoke
has notably increased their appreciation of other cultures and
countries. “I have realized and dissolved many of my preconceived
images and judgments of foreign cultures,” said one sophomore
from the U.S.
80.3% of students indicated that internationalism made
them want to learn more about other countries and cultures. A
junior from the U.S. said that she “has been challenged
by other students to see the world in new ways and to explore
life beyond the borders of
the United States.” Responses like these serve to reaffirm
the importance of a Center for Global Initiatives. It gives students
and faculty a resource for exploring cultures outside of the
U.S.
International students on campus who replied to the survey
offer a unique perspective of the campus. One international sophomore
said that “the more time I spend at MHC, the more I feel
that the similarities between people all over the world are much,
much greater than the differences between them.” 75.8% of students agree with her, saying that internationalism at Mount
Holyoke has notably increased their understanding of the interconnections
across borders.
The survey also finds that Mount Holyoke College’s
diverse campus community has made 88.7% of students
reexamine their views about their own country. A 2007 class member
from the U.S. says that her experience at MHC has compelled her
to “question
and think deeply about my life and the mentality of citizens
in the U.S.”
To look at the survey results in more detail, go to www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/programs/global/global/power_ic.html.
The
counter is
722
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