University of Colorado Denver joined with other Colorado institutions of higher learning, the state, and business leaders to support the launch of StudyColorado, a new state initiative designed to attract more international students to Colorado. The Executive Order was signed by Gov. John Hickenlooper and announced by Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia at a July 12 event during the national OACAC (Overseas Association for College Admissions Counseling) conference in Denver this year.

“International students further economic and cultural ties between Colorado other countries,” Hickenlooper said. “They diversify our campuses and help our students to compete in a global environment. StudyColorado will promote Colorado and its diverse and high-quality study opportunities to students around the world.”

StudyColorado is housed at the Department of Higher Education. In the academic year 2010-11, more than 7,000 international students from more than 100 countries studied in Colorado. At Thursday’s launch event, the University of Colorado Denver was represented by two outstanding international students, Saif Al Juboori and Siyuan (Kelly) Rao.

Saif, who is on a scholarship from Iraq, is earning his master’s degree in electrical engineering and plans to continue studies toward a Ph.D. in bioengineering. He just became “First Author” on a paper that describes research into mapping the brain to create a “map” similar to a circuit board; the purpose is to learn more about healing medical and psychological issues.

In an interview with Channel 9 News, Saif commented that even before he graduated from high school in Baghdad, he was intrigued with Colorado. The quality of the education he’s receiving at CU Denver, the beautiful environment, and the welcoming attitude of the people he’s met have contributed to Saif’s ongoing enthusiasm for the state. “I am grateful to the American government and the Iraqi government for my educational opportunity. I wish to be a good example to other international students who are thinking about coming to school here, and to help as a student liaison.”

Siyuan (Kelly) Rao also spoke to reporters, the Lt. Governor, and educators attending the press conference. An International College Beijing (ICB) student, Kelly is earning a bachelor’s degree in economics in CU Denver’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. ICB is a joint education program between the University of Colorado Denver and China Agricultural University in Beijing. The first partnership of its kind to be approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education, ICB is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools in the U.S.

“When you come from another country, there is a lot to learn,” said Kelly. “The students and teachers here have been really patient, answered my questions, and helped me get settled for classes.”

StudyColorado is working closely with the state’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade and with the business community, which played an active role in advising on the program’s launch strategy and support.

“It is in Colorado’s economic, cultural and social interest to welcome the best and brightest students from all over the world,” said Lt. Gov. Garcia. “StudyColorado will help enrich the learning experience on college campuses and better prepare Colorado’s students for the challenges of a global marketplace.”

The Denver Post story can be found at http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_21063800/colorado-foreign-college-students-we-want-you?IADID=Search-www.denverpost.com-www.denverpost.com

To learn more about international students and scholars at the University of Colorado Denver, visit: international.ucdenver.edu