The tremendous national attention focusing on international students at Harvard has me wondering about the local impact at our major research university, Virginia Tech. Searching the web, I learned that international students make up more than 10% of Tech’s student body, or over 4000 students from 130 countries. Although reporting is a bit unclear as to actual numbers, it appears that in early April about four undergraduate students and 10 graduate students had their eligibility to study here unexpectedly terminated. The reasons for their termination are unclear, or at least unreported. Later in the month, these students’ visas were restored. These decisions must have added tremendous stress to their lives, as well as to their families. Damage too must have been done to their work. Particularly in technical disciplines, research progress is heavily dependent on the contributions of graduate students. Labs typically cannot quickly stop and start their work – unexpected events greatly damage progress.
Not wanting to enter the fray about the national debate about international students, let us just consider what they contribute locally. We know that they are important financially to Virginia Tech, as most of these students are not eligible for financial aid and thus pay full tuition. We know that a relatively high percentage of international graduate students are in technical disciplines. We also know that they represent a high percentage in these disciplines because they are the most qualified to fill these positions – there simply are not enough qualified and interested students from the United States.
In 2022, the National Science Foundation published a report detailing how U.S. students were falling behind in STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). Yet, progress in these areas is heavily dependent on the process of educating graduate students, including their learning through advancing research. If the U.S. wants to continue leading the world in technological development, it simply must provide opportunities for graduate students. The reality is that the nation currently needs international students to move forward in technological areas. Virginia Tech is a national leader bringing technology to the nation and the world, and uncertainty about the role of international students would greatly hinder its progress. Technological leadership – for the university and for the nation – in heavily dependent on higher education preparing the next generation through their graduate work in the STEM disciplines.
To lighten up this controversy, let’s think too about some other things that international students bring to a community. Perhaps there will be little controversy about their importance in adding to the diversity of food! Looking at Blacksburg, many locals enjoy its pizza parlors, sushi and ramen joints, bagel delis, restaurantes mexicanos, Indian and Himalayan eateries, and many more. Tasty international foods have become mainstream American meals. Hopefully most will agree that international folks have brought us good things to eat!
Gary Silverman Columnist
