PLATTSBURGH — Nick Persad had never heard of Plattsburgh State, but his advisor raved about the journalism program so the Trinidad and Tobago native gave it a shot.
Plus, he earned a generous scholarship.
"I have never had such great experiences in and outside of classes," said the senior at Plattsburgh State. "The team at Plattsburgh State is helpful and quick to respond."
Persad is not alone in that feeling about the college.
The 2010 International Student Barometer ranked Plattsburgh State first in the world in terms of making friends and first in the United States for student satisfaction with the overall learning environment. The college further ranked third in overall satisfaction among its global competitors and fifth in the world for satisfaction with the overall learning environment.
The International Student Barometer is the world's largest international student survey. It tracks decision-making, expectations, perceptions and experiences of international students through an online questionnaire. Responding to the survey were 157,964 students at 203 institutions worldwide.
"The SUNY Plattsburgh experience leads the nation in satisfaction for international students, and SUNY's commitment to providing a friendly learning environment is unwavering for all of our students," said Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher in a news release.
For Plattsburgh State President Dr. John Ettling, the results provide a glimpse into the strength of the college's programs and course offerings, as well as how students feel it measures up against some of the best schools around the world.
Some of the overseas schools included were Oxford, Edinburgh University, Kings College London, St. Andrews University and the University of Adelaide. American schools included Kent State, Northeastern, Michigan State and Drexel universities.
"We are immensely proud of the work that goes on at the college, day in and day out, assisting our students when they need support and creating a strong academic environment," Ettling said.
Plattsburgh State also ranked first in the country and the world for student care and safety in residence halls and for its Office of International Student Services.
"The teaching and learning environment is great here, and this reflects how students feel about the academic experience," said Jackie Girard Vogl, Plattsburgh State's vice president for international enrollment. "I think that has to do with the really passionate people I work with. It is not just a job, it's a lifestyle."
The presence of international students on campus improves the college experience for everyone, enhancing the classroom environment and providing a global perspective, she said.
Vogl said her staff works hard to find students who are a good match for the school.
"We interact with prospective students using every possible means of communication: direct interaction at college fairs and school visits worldwide; email; Facebook; and the telephone, employing current students who speak their native language."
Plattsburgh State has one of the largest international student populations per capita of any comprehensive school in the SUNY system with 385 students from countries such as Canada, Antigua, China, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Japan, Tanzania and India.
Plattsburgh State ranked first in the United States for academic performance feedback, learning support, visa advice, Financial Aid, quality lectures, good teachers, student advising and career help for students.
Vogl said Plattsburgh State's size is a primary factor.
"We can provide that level of personalized attention in and out of the classroom because of the relatively intimate size of our community."
That's part of what hooked Hao Jiang of China, a senior at Plattsburgh State.
"The community is small and the people are friendly and my professors are friendly," he said. "Everyone is welcome and willing to give you a hand."
One will be in Plattsburgh and the other will be in Oswego.
