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Rob Cassleman, international scholar advisor, works with an
international scholar at WSU. |
PULLMAN, Wash. – International students, scholars and their dependents contributed more than $21 billion to the U.S. economy – and $533 million to the Washington state economy – in 2012, according to the NAFSA Association of International Educators. Of that, $59 million came from Washington State University.
Each spring, the Office of International Programs (IP) at WSU assists international students and scholars in understanding the tax process, which is especially important for those who have worked on campus. This year, taxes filed by WSU’s international students and scholars are estimated at more than $6 million.
“We do not give tax advice but provide guidance through the process to file their taxes,” said Rob Cassleman, IP international scholar advisor. “Students and scholars who have questions can contact us to set up a meeting or visit us during weekly walk-in hours.”
WSU’s more than 2,200 international students and scholars are almost evenly split between undergraduate and graduate students. Many are supported from home and through their government scholarships and grants for tuition, fees and living expenses. When international staff and faculty are added, more than 100 countries are represented at WSU’s campuses.
“International students, staff, faculty and visiting scholars contribute to the rich fabric of diversity at WSU through scholarly and curricular and co-curricular activities,” said Jan Keiser, IP immigration compliance specialist.
Washington ranks 11 in the nation for number of international students and scholars. It is also one of the most trade-dependent states in the country: a 2012 report estimates that 40 percent of Washington jobs are dependent on international trade of goods and services.
Many international scholars become global business partners with local organizations, and also remain connected to supporting their university, according to the same report: “International Competitiveness Strategy for Washington State” released by the Washington Council on International Trade and the Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle (WCIT-TDA, 2012).
These figures support WSU’s goal for every student to graduate with some level of multicultural and global competency, whether they choose to work at home or abroad.
In partnership with colleges and units across campus, IP provides services and opportunities for students, staff and faculty – as well as the regional community – to engage in global learning and intercultural experiences. In addition, IP global services works closely with departments, colleges and international employees to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration and visa requirements.