Wilmington University not only offers a global online campus but also embraces international students who want to learn on campus. Among the more than 20,000 WilmU Wildcats, there are 1,430 people from 83 countries taking classes in person.
“Wilmington University is proud of its long tradition of welcoming students from around the world,” says Dr. Bonnie Kirkpatrick, assistant vice president of student support and financial services. “Choosing to study in another country is a significant decision, and we remain committed to offering opportunities to international students who are integral to the University’s undergraduate and graduate programs.”
In 2023-2024, WilmU greeted “the most international students that we have admitted in almost 10 years,” says Eden Wolfer, international admissions coordinator. “We have the STEM programs that they’re looking for. We have a respected program. It’s affordable, and there’s support here. You don’t get that combination at every school.”
Accredited STEM Education
Geta Mulbah
Each WilmU student has a unique story, journey and dream. For Geta Mulbah, it’s to go to medical school and become an embryologist.
“Science is so interesting,” says Mulbah, a Biology major who transferred to WilmU from a university in Liberia. “Just looking at how science continues to improve over the years. For example, in embryology how you’re able to help someone to have babies.”
Mulbah is one of four children. While she and her siblings, including a twin brother, are studying in the United States, their proud parents remain in Liberia.
“My long-term goal is to own my own hospital back home — specifically, a fertility hospital,” says Mulbah, who works as a University Safety cadet alongside other international students.
“It’s amazing. I like being on campus,” she says. “I enjoy talking to people.”
Yogesh Koneru
Yogesh Koneru, a fellow safety cadet, came to Wilmington University from India to pursue a master’s degree in Information Systems Technologies with a concentration in Information Assurance.
“The instructors are so friendly and very helpful,” Koneru says. “Back in India calling professors and discussing after school time is not a thing. We never used to do that.”
At WilmU, however, they “help us and guide us through it,” he says. “I like that very much.”
Outside the classroom, Koneru is a student ambassador, vice president of the Multicultural Club and former treasurer of the Student Government Association. After graduation, he wants to gain experience in the U.S. before “going back and starting my own business.”
International Student Services
While Koneru and Mulbah live in Delaware, many international students travel to WilmU from other states. Katerina Saskova is one of them, and she’s no stranger to studying abroad.
Twelve years ago, Saskova came to the United States from the Czech Republic as a 17-year-old exchange student, learned English at a Tennessee high school and then went to college on a tennis scholarship. She earned an M.S. in Information Technology Project Management at Wilmington University and is pursuing an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership, Learning and Innovation (OLI).
“Everything is possible. You just have to work for it,” says Saskova, who chose the OLI degree to help with her new company that provides after-school programs for elementary-aged students.
Saskova’s business partner and fiance is Ukrainian and played tennis at a rival college. They live in New Jersey, and she commutes to Delaware for classes.
“It’s honestly very nice to go in person,” Saskova says, adding that she and other international students enjoy “helping each other and supporting each other.”
WilmU also helps students every step of the way.
“The International Affairs team is the best resource that you could have,” Dr. Kirkpatrick says. “They are just such a good, committed team. No matter what a student brings, they’ll figure out the answer for them.”
Geta Mulbah appreciates that commitment and wants people to know “how beautiful the international community is at Wilmington (University).”
With career-driven programs and a variety of helpful resources, WilmU is a smart choice for international students looking to advance their education in the United States.