Catholic university welcomes global learners

In an effort to curtail the culture shock that international student may experience after moving to the U.S., a growing number of universities are improving their global student orientations. These programs are designed to welcome new residents to the school and the country, as well as introduce them to American customs.

For example, at Notre Dame University, the office of international student services and activities is holding a two-and-a-half day orientation for the first time this fall, compared to the one-day program it hosted in past years, The Observer reports.

This year, the school will welcome 276 new global students, which represents a significant increase from last year's 250 individuals from abroad. The largest group of international learners this year came from China.

McKenna Pencak, assistant director of communications and outreach for international student services and activities, said the orientation includes mandatory workshops, which cover topics such as maintaining immigration status and health insurance, and optional workshops ranging from Catholicism 101 to American culture, the news source reports.

According to the Institute of International Education, 50 percent of American universities reported increased global student enrollments during 2009.