WSU announced in a press release this week the university has set a school record for number of international students attending, with 372 enrolling this year to bring the total to 832 students from 73 different nations.

Mary Machira, executive director of WSU’s Office of International Programs and Services, said in the press release that Weber State has utilized targeted recruitment efforts, word-of-mouth and a competitive price point to bring in students from overseas.

“Most students cite affordability as a key factor, along with Utah’s reputation as a safe state, which appeals to parents,” she said. “Additionally, Weber State offers a wide range of programs, providing students with diverse academic options.”

One notable point is where most of WSU’s international students come from. According to the release, over half are from the small Asian nation of Nepal. Machira told the Standard-Examiner around 500 of WSU’s current international students hail from Nepal.

“That number grew probably about 100 more students this fall than there were in the spring,” she said.

She said the community-oriented nature of the Nepalese has helped contribute to the rising number of students from that country choosing WSU.

“When they find a place that has a community and people who they can share their culture with, they feel more comfortable,” she said. “Also, it is the cost of Weber State’s tuition that is affordable to most of the students. Also, the parents like that Utah is considered a safe state for students.”

The press release also notes that large populations of WSU international students hail from countries such as Vietnam, Japan, India, China, Rwanda, Brazil, Myanmar, Germany, the Philippines and South Korea.

Machira said having such a large international presence on campus benefits everyone.

“It’s exciting to have a lot of international students… coming to Weber State,” she said. “It allows our domestic students here in Utah to interact with international students. Some students may not have had an opportunity or chance to go outside the country or meet students from other cultures. It helps with that learning from each other and learning about different cultures, learning about global connections, making friends that last a lifetime.”