When I first arrived at the University of Rochester, one of the first things I noticed was the sizeable international student population on campus. During Orientation Week, I met people from Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Zimbabwe, and other countries I had only imagined visiting. In my classes and campus organizations, I continued meeting students from all over the world. As a New Yorker accustomed to diversity, I felt right at home at the University of Rochester!
Curious about the University’s international community, I decided to dig deeper. I discovered that Rochester represents more than 130 countries, boasts one of the most international campuses in the United States, and has the second-highest percentage of international students among U.S. research universities. Our website proudly describes us as a “global campus,” and I wanted to explore what that really means.
To gain insight, I interviewed Leif Johansen, Senior Counselor for International Admissions and a 2020 Rochester alumnus. Leif’s experience traveling through Southeast Asia as an admissions counselor made him the perfect person to discuss the University’s global identity. In his role, he manages international admissions for Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea, and Eastern Canada.
When I asked Leif what it means for the University of Rochester to be a global campus, he offered an interesting perspective. Unlike some peer universities, Rochester does not have literal campuses in other countries. There’s no University of Rochester–London or University of Rochester–Beijing. Instead, our global identity comes from the diversity of backgrounds our students represent. According to Leif, this sets Rochester apart from other institutions regarding international representation.
He emphasized that every prospective student should consider the value of a global campus when applying to colleges. Reflecting on his own experience, Leif explained how international students enriched his time at Rochester.
“Even though I was not an international student, being surrounded by international students was such an important part of my experience as a student at Rochester,” he shared. “It’s what I think about when I think of a global campus.”
Leif also highlighted the academic advantages of studying in such a diverse environment. Students from around the world bring unique approaches to learning, shaped by different school systems and curricula. I’ve experienced this firsthand in my Environmental Science class. While working on a problem set with a friend, she introduced me to a novel way of solving a math problem, something I’d never encountered before. Even though we arrived at the same answer, it was fascinating to see how her perspective differed from mine.
Beyond academics, Rochester’s international students make meaningful contributions to the local community while immersing themselves in American culture. Leif noted that international students often engage with the city through events and internships, sharing their unique perspectives and experiences. This cultural exchange benefits both the students and the Rochester community, fostering mutual understanding and global awareness.
From an admissions standpoint, the University of Rochester’s reputation extends far beyond campus. Leif described the excitement he encounters during his international travels.
“When I visited Vietnam or Singapore, I met incredibly talented students,” Leif recalled. “They would come up to me and say, ‘You’re from the University of Rochester! You have the Laboratory for Laser Energetics! You have an amazing medical school!’”
Leif also explained why many students choose to study in the United States, even when their home countries have excellent universities. The American higher education system offers opportunities that are often unavailable elsewhere, such as living on campus, participating in extracurricular activities, and pursuing interdisciplinary studies. The University of Rochester amplifies these opportunities through its open curriculum, robust extracurricular offerings, and abundant research opportunities, making it a standout choice for international students.
The University of Rochester’s global campus isn’t defined by geography but by the rich diversity of its community. It’s a place where students from all over the world come together to learn, grow, and share their perspectives, both inside and outside the classroom. For me, this vibrant international presence has been one of the most inspiring aspects of my college experience.