I've been trying to narrow down my college selection, but there's one factor that's particularly important to me: diversity, specifically a large international student body. Particularly, I've got some Sri Lankan lineage, and it'd be great to connect with that part of my culture while at school. Does anyone have information on which U.S. colleges have the most international student populations? Would it be possible to find specific data on colleges welcoming a significant number of Sri Lankan students?
According to the Institute of International Education, the U.S. universities with the largest international student populations are New York University (NYU), University of Southern California (USC), and Northeastern University.
NYU, in particular, is known for its international student body, with students from over 150 countries. USC and Northeastern also have thousands of international students each. These institutions might be a good starting point if you are particularly focused on attending a university with a diverse array of students from different countries.
Now, when it comes to finding specific data on colleges that have a significant number of Sri Lankan students, detail might be a bit harder to come by, as schools often don't release statistics for every individual country. However, larger schools with significant international populations such as the ones mentioned are more likely to have students from a greater number of countries, including Sri Lanka.
Many colleges and universities also have cultural associations or student organized clubs that aim to connect students from similar backgrounds or interests. These organizations can provide space for cultural exchange and can assist new students in acclimating to the university environment. When you've identified some potential schools, it could be beneficial to research if they have a Sri Lankan student association or cultural organization.
Lastly, consider reaching out to the admissions offices of the colleges you're interested in. They can provide insights into the diversity of their student body and maybe even connect you with international student services or a student ambassador who could give you a better feel for the campus culture.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.