Ole Miss from the International Perspective

The university's effort to expand diversity has paid off as foreign students flock to be a part of the campus.

The Martindale building is where the Office of International Programs is housed and is a great resource for students

As the United States continues to grow in diversity, so does the University of Mississippi. On account of the International Studies Program that fosters exchange students and faculty members from other countries, Ole Miss has begun to show its intentions of creating an open environment for its students and expanding their horizons.

This past year, the University has welcomed a record breaking 804 international students and 180 staff members from 94 different countries. At the helm of these opportunities for foreign students is the Office of International Programs (OIP), which facilitates undergraduate and graduate studies, as well as opportunities for those who wish to join the exchange program.

"We have a variety of partnerships with universities worldwide," said Molly Fryman, an international student advisor. Some of these countries include Germany, Korea, and Brazil. 

Whether the international student chooses to be in an exchange program or degree-program (which registers them as full time students at Ole Miss) the application process is the same as the average U.S. citizen. Although all international students have to apply for visas and social security numbers, student athletes who are being recruited from overseas face different challenges.

"The main issues these students have is dealing with NCAA regulations," said Fryman. With the National Collegiate Athletic Association, student-athletes from foreign countries have to take the SAT and ACT, and have a passing score that is acceptable in order for them to be allowed to compete at a college or university. Even all these obstacles did not stop freshman track and field distance runner Sean Tobin from making the journey from Ireland to compete at Ole Miss.

"As soon as I got the call I had been cleared, I was ready to get over here as soon as possible," said Tobin.

When asked what the draw to Ole Miss was, Tobin stated not only did he love the campus, the culture of Oxford was the big reason for his commitment. "I love the passion the students here have for the SEC." he said. 

"Everyone is really nice and welcoming," said Daniel Bulmer, a graduate student from Australia completing his final years of eligibility with the distance squad. "I have been treated well here and haven't had any issues with my classmates or professors." 

"I try to encourage younger runners I know back home to give this place a look," said Tobin. "It's very good academically, athletically, and socially. I love it here."


With the continuous expansion of Ole Miss's international students and faculty population, comes a new era of diversity that will continue to grow the university and promote acceptance for new ideas and cultures.