The Benefits of OIE
The benefits of our program are felt by the university at-large, domestic students, and the Cedar Valley community along with the international students we serve.
Although each group benefits in different ways there are common advantages for all in the access to cultural exchange, ability to embrace diversity and build relationships that create global impacts.
Benefits of all three groups include exchanging perspectives of different forms of communication, work experience, and values from all over the world. This ties into UNI’s diversity statement and creates networking opportunities for the global market.
We work under the purview of UNI's overall mission and newly developed strategic plan by enriching the world around us through diversity. We empower students to further their research, teaching, and specific work in their chosen field. We create opportunities for cultural exchange, expansion of knowledge, and appreciation for diversity while building foundational skill sets for students, staff, and faculty.
The community benefits by having the ability to exchange life experiences, forms of communication, traditions and customs with international students. This interaction helps residents learn and enhance intercultural skills and improve global networking.
Exposed to different forms of communication, traditions, and customs.
Domestic Students’ Benefits
Domestic students benefit as well. They can learn different perspectives and worldviews through interactions with international students. Domestics can participate in culture talks, the Conversation Partner program, along with participating in OIE sponsored events.
This provides access to real-world global thought in the comfort of the Midwest.
International Students’ Benefits:
The international students we support have the obvious benefits of our staff and instructor assisting them as they navigate through this journey. We provide education in the classroom and socially to develop a well-rounded experience.