International Students in Iowa Linda Serra Hagedorn, Ph.D. Associate Dean – College of Human Sciences Professor – School of Education

Overview The presentation will provide background: –The numbers of International students in the USA and specific in Iowa – Why students come to the USA and specific to Iowa Issues pertaining to international students with a focus on Chinese students. –Shadow education –Allegations of cheating to gain admission –Other issues

The Numbers: National Open Doors (2014).

What About Iowa? Type of Student:Number: Undergraduate students 2,364 Graduate students1,157 Non-Degree students 128 Medical Residents/Fellows & Post-Doctorals 294 Iowa Intensive English Program 62 Students in post- graduate training 355 Total:4,360 Total students=35,057 10% International

Iowa State University CountryNumber of Countries Number of Students Africa23108 Asia353,496 Europe27120 North America783 Oceania223 South America 9140 TOTAL1103,980

University of Northern Iowa

Iowa Private Colleges and Universities Almost all accept international students Wartburg College 14% Grinnell College 13% Graceland University-Lamoni 5% Buena Vista University 4% Loras College 1%

Motivations to Study Abroad Reputation –USA is the top destination in the world Of the top 50 universities in the world, 27 are in the USA –State of Iowa May not be a first choice –Regents are among the most affordable universities among peer institutions –Great college towns –Safety –Cost of living –Reputations –Word of mouth

The Case of China

Fear of the Chinese National Exam The Gaokao Intense study Choice of Gaokao or “other” –SAT or ACT –“Brain Drain”

Gaokao 9.8 million students took the 2- day exam in 2014 Gaokao determines –Which college –What major

Costs Cost of US postsecondary study is “out of reach” for most Chinese families –the average annual salary of a worker in China was 28,752 yuan (about $4,755) in 2012, or 38% of the global average. Filial piety –“Payback” from adult children

Difficulty taking the SAT/ACT Chinese government does not allow American admission tests Closest test centers –Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong

Agents Third party mediator –University choice –University applications –Visa procedures –Admission tests Widespread use –Estimate 60% Issues –False documents

Shadow Education Activities outside of school that mimic (shadow) activities performed in school. –Tutoring –Special Classes –Test Prep –Private lessons –Arts-based instruction Widespread –Estimates 75% but anecdotally higher Global Access Certificate Kumon

Cultural Challenges Family pressure Entrance essay Choice of major

Cheating and “Cheating” According to Zinch China (2010) –“90% of recommendation letters are forged” –70% of essays are not written by the student –50% of transcripts are altered (Forbes, 2010) Studying to take a test versus studying the test

American Admissions It is almost impossible to find data related to who applies and who is accepted at America’s top universities (Espenshade & Radford, 2009) Interviews with 14 Iowa Postsecondary institutions –No special considerations or policies related to applications from China

Iowa Colleges and Universities Regents do not require letters of recommendation or interview –Some privates do require both Difficult to separate “cheaters” from other applications Most applicants work with an agent

Regents Accept ALL applicants who meet the admission criteria –Minimum ACT/SAT –English Proficiency –Appropriate financial records

Iowa Private Liberal Arts Colleges No quotas or targets Some work with agencies Some require an interview (Skype)

Messages Warm Welcome Out of State Tuition Diversity International perspective Cool Doorstep Bias Emphases on American students No coordinated recruitment strategies for international students

Conclusions and Policy Recommendations Cheating Letters of Recommendation Shadow Education Admission tests Agents Future –Iowa Private Colleges –Iowa Community Colleges