Alumnus - Digitized Resources Murphy Library University of ...

c o v e r s t o r y
“To ignore our
international ties
and needs would
reduce our quality
of life. We are not
an island, and
can’t pretend that
we are.”
Marketing Professor
Stephen Brokaw
2 4 • u w - l a c r o s s e a l u m n u s • w i n t e r 2 0 0 8 - 0 9
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recruiting. We have a recruiter based in China and a strategic
plan for international recruiting.”
Lokken says high rankings in U.S.News & World Report
(No. 2 among Midwest public colleges) and Kiplinger’s (No. 30
for out-state students nationally) have increased UW-L’s
reputation worldwide. Those kudos, along with a smaller
campus atmosphere often gives UW-L an edge over larger, Big
Ten-sized schools. “We’re able to personalize the relationship
here at UW-La Crosse,” notes Lokken. “We offer a chance to
interact in the daily life of a typical Wisconsin family.”
Along with a friendly campus, the La Crosse Friends of
International Students, an organization that connects local
families and international students, has helped make students
feel at home and adjust to American culture. “The international
students are very curious about American life,” notes Richard
Smith, LFIS president. “Most of their ideas about American
lifestyles come from the media. Being a host is a good way to
help present what we really are.”
The open house atmosphere is key for the international
students. “These have been extremely popular with our
international students,” says Hong Rost, assistant director in the
International Education Office. “The community and campus
are really so welcoming to international students.”
But it’s not only more students coming to campus. More
American students are heading overseas too, something Lokken
also attributes to UW-L’s ever-growing reputation. “The
increase in study abroad students is also due to UW-L’s excellent
reputation for being a global university,” explains Lokken.
“UW-L attracts students who are expecting an international
experience as part of their undergraduate and graduate
education.”
Lokken says as the world continues to change into a global
economy, first-hand international knowledge becomes even
more important. “Wisconsin students need to be exposed to the
world,” he concludes.
Overseas classes, and more
Students attend colleges overseas in both English-speaking
based institutions, or those in the country’s native language.
Mandy Nogle, ’08, spent five months in 2007 at the American
University of Rome. She earned 15 credits in five classes; all
transferred when she returned to La Crosse. While classes were
taught in English, Nogle also took an Italian language class that
allowed her to navigate more easily throughout Italy.
The communication studies major says life in another
country was more than she expected. “To experience a situation
where you’re a minority is very challenging, but rewarding,”
explains Nogle, who grew up in Mondovi, a rural Wisconsin
community of around 2,500. “It definitely made me more aware
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