U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren presented San Jose State University with the U.S. Commerce Department’s Export Achievement Certificate, recognizing the university’s international student recruitment efforts.

The President of SJSU, Professor Mohammad H. Qayoumi, says the university has been working with other overseas universities in student exchange programs, taking part in exhibitions, as well as courting students with scholarships. The university is actively recruiting from Asia, the Middle East, South America and Europe.

Professor Qayoumi says foreign students enrich the university’s population. “Being part of our student body, it enriches our whole student body, and it provides more opportunities for our students to learn about their cultures and make them that much more global savvy,” he said.

Professor Qayoumi adds that the university faces financial strain from slashes in state funding. However, foreign students who pay full tuition without state subsidies will not be displacing local students.

Some Chinese foreign students we spoke to say that the university stands out in its geographical location in the Silicon Valley and its excellent networking with local firms, making it helpful for them to find internships and interviews with hiring companies.

SJSU says it has about 2,000 foreign students, making up about 7% of the student population.
(Copyright 2011 KTSF.  All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)