Approximately 75 percent of the 1,000 plus international students are here for two to four years, working on an undergraduate or graduate degree. The additional students are enrolled at the English Language Center, are on an exchange semester or year from one of our international partner universities, or are participating in one of the Summer in Maryland language and culture programs.
International students and scholars comprise approximately five percent of the total student enrollment at Towson University. (Seven percent of the full-time student population.) The number of international students at Towson doubled from 1995 to 2000, and tripled from 1991 to 2001.
International students come to Towson from more than 100 nations.
About 55% of international students are from Asia
16% from Africa, 14% from Europe, 6% from the Middle East, 8% from Central and South America, and 2% from North America and Oceania. During AY 2009 - 2010, the top five sending countries were China, Korea (South), India, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.
The ISSO offers assistance in the following areas:
visa applications and immigration related matters
cross-cultural orientation and adjustment
mediation of cross-cultural misunderstanding
success in the U.S. academic environment
understanding and following university regulations
using university services
complying with federal law concerning temporary-visa holders
referrals to community resources
requests from the community for contact with TU's international population
emergency situations involving international students or scholars
Staff are also in regular contact with other university offices and departments, education officers at foreign embassies in the U.S. , non-governmental sponsoring agencies, Social Security Administration, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of State, and other scholarship/sponsoring agencies. In relationship with these offices, ISSO staff serve as advocates for students' concerns and needs.
International Student & Scholar Office
Psychology Building, Suite 408
8000 York Road
Towson, MD 21252
8000 York Road | Towson, MD 21252 | 410-704-2000
