by Linda Reynolds

Ed FitzGerald

Twenty-two years of advising hundreds of international students from countries around the world has meant the world to Ed FitzGerald.

Like many of the new-to-the-area students he advised, FitzGerald remembers his own arrival at Berea.

"Luckily, I had Loyal Jones, ’54, (former Director of the Appalachian Center) and Bill Best, ’59, (associate professor of physical education) to help me," he laughs, "much like I advise the international students on assimilating."

FitzGerald says he has seen many changes in his more than two decades of advising.

"When Dean Kenneth Thompson advised international students in the 60s, there were 25-30. When I began in 1977, there were about 48 and now there are more than 100," says FitzGerald.

The growth is predicated on Berea’s commitment to increase the number of international students according to FitzGerald. To keep up with the numbers, the College has hired additional personnel to staff the International Center in the renovated Woods-Penniman Building.

FitzGerald says one thing that has not changed on campus is student problems.

"International students have the same problems as American students except they must worry about immigration and adjustment to the American culture," he explains.

To help international students make the adjustment during their first year, FitzGerald said Berea assigns each an American roommate.

"Of course, like any other student, they may choose their own roommate after the first year," he adds.

FitzGerald notes other changes in the perception of the international community.

"Our world view is much broader now. With television and other forms of communication we are all more aware of the world," FitzGerald notes. "On campus, it’s due in part to knowing more international students and traveling abroad."

FitzGerald said the selection process is difficult and placed him in a role he did not relish.

"For every 25-30 students annually admitted, 1,000 applications are screened by a selection committee," he said. "These students must meet the same requirements as American students, plus submit an essay, supply three academic references and take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). We also look at the students’ plans regarding their contribution to their countries needs."

FitzGerald thinks there is one important difference between international students and American students.

"International students have seriously made a decision to leave home for four years and travel to get an education," he said.

The American student’s mind set is different.

"American students have the option to drop out and enroll later, and that’s not an option for international students," he said. "Some have traveled as much as 15,000 miles from their homes to come here, and their families have made many sacrifices for them to do so."

FitzGerald believes hiring the new Director and staff is a positive step, and will serve the international students well.

"The incoming staff members have valuable international education experience, which will facilitate more students and faculty traveling overseas," said FitzGerald. "This will increase international exposure and interaction."