UT Dallas has been an attractive college choice for international students in recent years. This fall, more than 4,900 international students are enrolled in classes. The University helps to foster connections for international students with intercultural programs such as iFriend and iWeek. (File 2017)

A higher number of international students returned to classes on The University of Texas at Dallas campus this fall after a year in which COVID-19 required many students to alter their academic plans.

“It’s great to be on campus after being at home for one-and-a-half years,” said Himaja Kesari, a computer science graduate student from India. “Now I’m meeting friends, socializing and attending events. It’s fun.”

This fall, UT Dallas’ overall student enrollment hit a record high for the University. Enrollment — particularly international student enrollment — declined in the 2020-2021 academic year due to the pandemic. The newly reopened campus, along with increased opportunities for travel visas and ongoing communication from UT Dallas faculty and staff, encouraged more international students to make the move to Richardson this fall.

Approximately 2,247 new international students are enrolled at UT Dallas for fall 2021. The number is slightly less than the record 2,389 new international students who enrolled in fall 2016. There are more than 4,900 total international students currently enrolled.

“We kept reaching out to them, keeping them informed and sending information about the measures we were taking to keep the campus safe. At the same time, the U.S. embassies and consulates around the world were incredibly responsive, helping students get the proper visas,” said Dr. Juan González, dean of graduate education and holder of the Francis S. Johnson Chair for Graduate Education. “I think all of those things helped students remain engaged and hungry to join us this semester.”

Punit Sanghavi, a business analytics graduate student from India, said he was pleased with the University’s ongoing communications during the past several months. Even though COVID-19 shutdowns delayed his visa application process, information from UT Dallas staff kept him optimistic.

“We kept reaching out to them, keeping them informed and sending information about the measures we were taking to keep the campus safe. At the same time, the U.S. embassies and consulates around the world were incredibly responsive, helping students get the proper visas. I think all of those things helped students remain engaged and hungry to join us this semester.”

Dr. Juan González, dean of graduate education at UT Dallas

Sanghavi particularly credited Gaurav Shekhar MS’16, program director of the graduate business analytics program and assistant professor of instruction in information systems in the Naveen Jindal School of Management (JSOM), for providing international students with information and support.

“He reminded me that there was no point in worrying or getting stressed. And he was absolutely correct,” Sanghavi said.

Because a majority of the graduate students in the business analytics program are from India, Shekhar works with them as they make the transition to the U.S. In addition to communicating with students via email and group meetings, he set up a chat group, which provided an opportunity for students to get acquainted and make friends before they arrived at UT Dallas.

Shekhar said UT Dallas’ approach to international student recruiting is unique.

“Whether it was through the Jindal School of Management or at the university level, I think it all helped to build that confidence in students that, yes, they can come and not feel worried,” he said. “I think building that trust was a differentiating factor.”

Dr. Monica Powell, senior associate dean for graduate programs in JSOM, said the silver lining of the pandemic was that technology connected students in an extraordinary way.

“The big surprise from the pandemic that I never expected was that these students would feel so connected to us and know that they are part of this great UT Dallas family. They now feel like they can reach out to anybody, and that we will be there for them,” she said.

Amelia Chik Lei Quek, a business analytics graduate student from Malaysia, said her transition to Texas had been going very well, with timely visa processing and the ability to get fully vaccinated. The day before she was set to fly to America, however, a routine preflight COVID-19 test revealed surprise positive results.

“I really couldn’t believe it because I didn’t go anywhere, and I was vaccinated,” she said. “I had to quarantine for 10 days and had to change my flight, but everything worked out.”

Even with a few obstacles, many international students said they are pleased to be on campus and excited about the future.

“I was elated to get to the University after such a taxing journey,” Sanghavi said. “When I got out of the cab the first day and I saw the reflecting pool, I was like, ‘OK, this was meant to be.’ I am just so happy.”