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SNRE International Frontiers: An Examination of Our International Student Population and Participation in Overseas Research

By Elisa Livengood and Alfredo Rios

The University of Florida's School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE) has trained international students in Interdisciplinary Ecology since its inception in 1999.

A survey based research study was conducted by Alfredo Rios, a SNRE PhD student, to investigate and provide a better picture of international student enrollment. Surveys consisted of multiple choice, ranking, and open-ended questions designed to address the composition of the international student body and the scope of international research within the program.

Demographics relative to student country of origin, reasons for selecting SNRE, and location of research sites were determined through survey based information and student records. Survey questions examined student career aspirations upon graduation and plans for future residency. SNRE graduates from other countries were surveyed to determine their current professional activities and residency. A third survey set was created to examine U.S. SNRE graduate students and was augmented with student feedback on international student presence. A total of 63 students (past and current) participated in the study. Questionnaires were reviewed by UF faculty and graduate students and were then posted through an online web-based program in summer 2007.

Findings from the survey and student records examined the student body composition, participation in international research and benefits of participating in SNRE's interdisciplinary degree program. SNRE has a slightly higher proportion of international students than the UF average. However, the composition of students by continent is quite different between the two. At the University level, international students are mostly represented from Asian countries, while at SNRE most international students come from Latin America. Other highlights include:

• One out of four students in SNRE is an international student; with many students coming from Latin American (57%), Asia (17%), Africa (14%), and the Caribbean (4%).

• Almost one third (33%) of all SNRE student research projects were conducted outside the U.S., with most international students researching in their country of origin. 

• Approximately 42% of the U.S. students taking the survey conduct their research outside the U.S., with over half (62%) of those students working in Latin America.  

• The interdisciplinary nature of the program, the cross departmental affiliations, the availability of funding, and working with their advisor were all important reasons international students chose the SNRE program.

• After graduation, most international students plan to work in their country of origin or in regions associated with their home countries, mainly with non-profit organization or universities, and are likely to continue research efforts.

• National students felt that international students are beneficial as they provide a different perspective and aid in the planning and networking of their research. For example, one person stated, “[international students] often share a more realistic perspective for those of us working internationally, regarding local livelihoods, relevant cultural traits, and politics.”

Surveys provided much needed feedback from international and national students that led to several conclusions about the demographics of the SNRE population. Surveys also provided anecdotal evidence of how these student populations value their interdisciplinary degree training. This information is useful internally to the administration of SNRE through a better characterization of the school's student body. Students and faculty advisors may also use this report when seeking extramural funding from international granting agencies.

A full report is forthcoming and will be provided online at www.snre.ufl.edu.