Global U Quiz
Every fall, the International Student Council hosts International Night--a festive celebration of the global diversity at the U and the keystone event for International Education Week. In 2020 the event pivoted to a virtual format and featured a Zoom trivia night that tested guests’ knowledge of our international student population. It made us curious—how much do our readers really know about international students at the U? We created the quiz below as a fun way to learn more about this important part of our U community.
The University of Utah class of 2024’s international students are from ___ countries.
- 37
- 51
- 42
- 48
1. The class of 2024 represents 37 countries! In the past year, the U has welcomed students and scholars from 94 countries in total:
Afghanistan, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Macau, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, PSE, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe.
On average, how many new international students arrive at the U each semester?
- Fall: 500, Spring: 500, Summer: 250
- Fall: 600, Spring: 200, Summer: 50
- Fall: 1200, Spring: 600, Summer: 150
2. On average, the U welcomes about 600 international students each Fall, another 200 each Spring, and around 50 each Summer.
What are the two types of authorizations held by international students and scholars?
- F-1 visa
- S. Passport
- J-1 visa
- Visa bank card
1 & 3. F-1 visas are held by degree-seeking students (undergraduate and graduate). J-1 visas are required for visitors working on post docs, fellows, interns, and professors. International students must complete more paperwork than their peers. Obtaining a visa requires an 1-20 form, fees, and regular reporting to maintain an active visa status. Visa requirements are subject to change, which can cause a great deal of uncertainty for our international students. This has been especially true during the pandemic.
From what three countries do the majority of the U’s international students come?
- India, China, Russia
- China, India, South Korea
- South Korea, Brazil, China
- India, Pakistan, China
2. China (30%), India (16%), and South Korea (12%) are home countries to the majority of the U’s international students.
What is one of the most commonly cited challenges for international students?
- Learning Salt Lake’s grid system
- Adjusting to Utah’s climate
- Finding parking on campus
- Overcoming language barriers
4. While all students face many of these challenges, one of the most common challenges that international students mention is a language barrier. It can take longer to process information received in your non-native language, and many students carry cognitive fatigue while acclimating to life in another country. Even students who are very competent English speakers might feel afraid to speak up in class or initiate conversation with a domestic student because they’ve faced judgment about having an accent. Fostering a welcoming, inclusive campus culture at all levels is critical to helping our international students overcome this challenge. Whenever possible, take the first step, introduce yourself, and make an international student feel at home.
Can international students apply for scholarships?
- yes
- no
1. Yes! In fact, ISSS hosts a special scholarship just for international students. Check it out here.
What two things do international students often say they miss most about their home countries?
- Food
- Their pets
- Family
- Weather
1 & 3. Food and family! Reach out to another student and ask about what they miss. Share recipes or participate in a cooking class together. (Many clubs on campus have launched virtual cooking events during Covid!) Sharing food culture is a great way to grow friendships, which can go a long way toward easing the homesickness of missing family.
What do all domestic and international students and scholars have in common?
- A love for the color crimson
- Excitement when it snows
- Membership in the OneU family
- A secret desire to wear the Swoop costume
3! No matter where you come from and where you call “home,” all our students are part of the OneU family. ISSS is honored to support you. Learn more about the resources we offer here.