The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse reported 300 international students have enrolled on campus this fall, up from 178 international students last year.

International students have come from 46 different countries around the world to study at UW-La Crosse.

Jay Lokken, director of International Studies at UW-La Crosse, said the increase is due to a combination of many factors, including La Crosse's plan to make the university's curriculum strong internationally.

Lokken said this commitment has come from the leadership of the administration that has implemented long-term plans for international recruiting.

"We've worked strategically with worldwide universities," Lokken said. "We have contacts and recruiters based all around the world."

Lokken said high rankings from the U.S. News and World Report and Kiplinger's rankings have attracted international students to La Crosse.

In addition, Lokken said the La Crosse community is smaller in comparison to other UW System institutions like UW-Madison, making it easier to integrate international students once on campus.

"We have programs that mix international students and American students who have been abroad and American host programs, which invite students to family homes for Thanksgiving or just for dinner," Lokken said. "Our programs integrate [international students] into the community."

Lokken said faculty members also enjoy international students in their classrooms because they bring different world perspectives into discussion.

Sara Thurston-González, interim director of International Student Services at UW-Madison, said there are no official numbers on how many international students are on campus in Madison, but she thinks there has been an increase.

"Our numbers at orientation were high this year," Thurston-González said. "There have been no big changes in government or campus policies, so we aren't sure why there is an increase."

Thurston-González said despite no significant university policy change toward international students, it is exciting to have an increase of international students here in Madison.

"No matter what the cause, we are thrilled these international students have chosen UW-Madison," Thurston-González said. "They bring so much richness to our campus."

Lokken said international students on all UW campuses are a critical part of the global economy and expose all students to the cultures of the world.

"It is a chance for students to have the world around them even if they do not get a chance to travel," Lokken said. "Nine thousand other students at La Crosse get a chance to be part of the global diversity, which can help make this world a better place."