Department of Higher Education

More than 400 international and study-abroad students and their advisers from Missouri’s colleges and universities are expected to gather in Jefferson City April 2 for International Education Day at the Capitol.

The event is hosted annually by the Study Missouri Consortium, a group of more than 40 of the state’s postsecondary institutions working together to promote international education and highlight the importance of cultural exchange.

The day-long event is designed to give students an opportunity to witness Missouri’s legislative process and share their experiences with other international students. Tours of the Capitol and visits with state lawmakers are also planned.

“Many international students are very interested in learning about our government and our way of life,” said Britta Wright, chair of the Study Missouri consortium and one of the organizers of the event. “International Education Day also gives the students a chance to talk with each other about the things they are seeing and doing in the United States.”

International Education Day has attracted students from as many as 70 countries in previous years. Missouri students who have studied abroad also participate in the event.

During the 2012-2013 school year, more than 17,300 international students attended a Missouri college or university, and more than 5,000 Missouri students studied abroad, according to the Institute of International Education.

Missouri ranks 12^th in the nation in the number of international students enrolled in the state’s colleges and universities.

The Study Missouri Consortium hosts a photo contest as part of International Education Day. Winning photos from international and study-abroad students will be on display in the Capitol Rotunda during the event.

For more information about International Education Day, contact Wright at blwright@ccis.edu.