UF hopes to combat the unwelcoming political climate toward immigrants with a new video encouraging more international students to find their home on campus.
UF’s International Center created a #YouAreWelcomeHere video to remind current and prospective international students that everyone is welcome at UF, said Mabel Cardec, a UF International Center spokesperson. The video shares the success stories of current international students. It cost $5,500 and was produced by media services at the College of Journalism and Communications.
“It is just a way of telling everyone that was planning on coming to the states to study that yes, we are still a safe place,” Cardec said.
UF is still working to recover from a dip in international enrollment it experienced in the 2017-18 school year, said Leonardo Villalón, the dean of the International Center. The number of new international students sank to 1,043 this year compared to the previous year’s 1,453. UF saw little improvement this year with 1,049 incoming international students.
Zhonglin Lai, a 21-year-old UF biological engineering senior, came to the U.S. six years ago to gain a different view of the world, she said.
“I also want to welcome other international students because I want to pass on this welcoming atmosphere we have at UF,” Lai said.
