Living Like a Local Newsletter Vol 4

Volume 4 - Your value

Did you know that the US is anticipated to have 8 million international students by the year 2025? We focus a lot of conversation on the value of this experience for you but have you considered what you bring to us? Let’s take a closer look …

You bring economic value

The economic impact of international students cannot be overstated. According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), international students contributed $40 billion to the US Economy in 2023. Those contributions are not only tuition dollars but include spending on food, clothing, transportation, domestic travel, cultural experiences, etc. The overall impact of international student dollars is of major value to the US economy.

You bring cultural and intellectual diversity

Learning and living alongside people from around the globe helps all of us avoid stereotyping and helps form more informed opinions of other cultures. It gives us a better understanding of international issues and immigration issues. It provides opportunities for unique cross-cultural experiences such as celebrating new holidays, sampling new foods, or traveling to visit friends in their home towns. It forces students to confront different interpersonal and communication styles, which makes them better active listeners and critical thinkers.

Policy analyst Hollie Chandler states, “International students increase the social and cultural diversity of our campuses, enriching the research and learning environment and helping home students to develop internationally relevant skills. They bring new research ideas and expertise to our universities and help to strengthen their international partnerships,”

Don't underestimate the power of the diversity you bring.

You become our global ambassadors

When you return to your home country, you become informal ambassadors of the US and Maryville College which strengthens enrollment, trade, tourism, global thinking, and ultimately more peace among countries. We also become reciprocal ambassadors for your home country so this level of personalized marketing for both countries is invaluable.

WORD OF THE WEEK: Ain’t

This is a slang word for “am not”, "is not" or "does not"

This class ain’t easy.

PHRASE OF THE WEEK: Couch potato

This term is commonly used in America and has both positive and negative connotations. It means someone who is lazy and spends a lot of time on the couch watching a screen. It can also mean that you just had a lazy day and not necessarily describe your personality.

This weekend I was a couch potato and I didn’t get any work done.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Deviled Eggs

Several students have mentioned wanting to have a picnic this spring. This is my all-time favorite picnic or bar-b-que dish to make.

https://www.spendwithpennies.com/classic-deviled-eggs-recipe/

SOCIAL EVENT OF THE WEEK:

Two Doors Down (within walking distance of campus) has a few events this weekend but the open mic improv and comedy on Sunday night sounds like the big winner!

https://twodoorsdownmaryville.com/event-calendar/