{"id":14170,"date":"2011-09-15T09:00:22","date_gmt":"2011-09-15T09:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/biznews.fiu.edu\/?p=14170"},"modified":"2017-11-03T11:59:20","modified_gmt":"2017-11-03T15:59:20","slug":"fiu-welcomes-largest-number-of-dual-degree-graduate-students-from-around-the-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/biznews.fiu.edu\/2011\/09\/fiu-welcomes-largest-number-of-dual-degree-graduate-students-from-around-the-world\/","title":{"rendered":"FIU welcomes largest number of Dual Degree graduate students from around the world."},"content":{"rendered":"

The Dual Degree International Program<\/a> at Florida International University (FIU) is on the grow. The innovative idea, which allows international students to receive a degree from FIU\u2019s College of Business Administration while also earning a degree from their home institution—in almost the same time as it would take to earn only one degree—has enjoyed a substantial surge in popularity.<\/p>\n

This fall, the Chapman Graduate School welcomed 78 Dual Degree International Program students to campus; the number is almost double the enrollment from the three previous semesters combined.<\/p>\n

All were invited to a special welcome session on August 23, 2011. Seventy students attended the lunch event, a remarkable turnout for any function.<\/p>\n

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The business school hosted a luncheon to welcome the newest members of the popular Dual Degree International Program.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cI met new people, including professors, and learned much about FIU,\u201d said Yinbo Cau, a graduate student from China. \u201cI even learned about being a Panther.\u201d<\/p>\n

The welcome dinner was the brainchild of Executive Dean Joyce J. Elam and Jerry Haar, associate dean for international programs. Both spoke at the gathering as did Marien Castillo, coordinator, international student services.<\/p>\n

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Joyce J. Elam, executive dean, spoke to the group.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cTwo students who completed the program last spring gave tips to the incoming group about what to expect and how to make the most of the opportunities,\u201d said Maria Pradilla, assistant director, international programs.<\/p>\n

Incoming class includes students from Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and Latin America.<\/em><\/p>\n

Continuing its leadership role in international education, FIU has agreements with 42 universities worldwide for dual degree programs. The newest graduate students arrived from China, Colombia, France, Germany, Italy and the West Indies.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot only do we have the largest enrollment ever, but our program also is expanding horizontally,\u201d Pradilla said. \u201cIn addition to the Master of International Business (MIB), the foundation of the dual degree program, dual degree graduate students can now earn a degree in the Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MSMIS), Master of Science in Human Resource Management (MSHRM), Master of Science in International Real Estate (MSIRE) or the college\u2019s new Healthcare MBA (HCMBA).\u201d<\/p>\n

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Many of the 78 new students in the Dual Degree International Program event attended the event.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The students seem determined to make the most of their opportunities.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am meeting new friends, but study is very important,\u201d Cau said. \u201cReading first, then hanging out.\u201d<\/p>\n