More int'l experience is best for young people: US college president

The University of Bridgeport is the one of the most international and culturally diverse universities in the US. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 10-year visa policy between China and the US has triggered a boom in Sino-US travel. Do you think it will also benefit the schools and students of the two countries?

That's a great benefit. It makes it easier for the students to visit the school before they make the decision. Any decision you make, it should be as informed as possible.

It also helps their parents to come and visit them in the US. I always encourage international students to use the time in between semesters to visit other parts of the US. If you visit China and only visit Beijing, you don't know China.

Can you please introduce the international student body in your school? What are the advantages of studying in UB as a foreign student?

UB is the one of the most international and culturally diverse universities in the US. We have students from about 80 countries. Students live, study, and work with people from all over the world. It's part of the everyday experience that grooms them to be globally connected.

In total, we have about 5,400 students in the school, and 20 percent of them are international students. The average class size is 16 students. Our Chinese students don't get lost at UB.

At the same time, UB offers programs few other schools can. We are just one of 12 universities in the US that's been granted NGO status by the United Nations. Because of this special relationship, our students can work at the UN headquarters, which is nearby in Manhattan.