PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State University International Programs staff report more than 40 students from the United Arab Emirates have decided to return home — at least for the fall semester.
“The students are telling us that parents are asking them to come home,” said Paul Svaren, international enrollment manager. As of Tuesday afternoon, a UAE embassy official said the embassy will support the students’ decision. However, no recall of WSU students has been made.
Virtually all of the students enrolled for the first time this fall at WSU. They are among 65 UAE students — all men — who transferred this fall to WSU from community colleges. Only four continuing students have decided to leave the university for the fall.
“WSU is trying to do all it can to see that the students will be able to return to school as early as spring semester with minimal paperwork,” Svaren said.
The International Program spokesman said the university is allowing the students to disenroll without penalty. The Bookie is giving a 100 percent refund for undamaged textbooks.
“The Student Affairs staff, under direction of vice president Charlene Jaeger, has been working closely with the students and willing to assist them as the students made their decision,” Svaren said.
“We hope that many of them will be able to return to the university for the spring semester,” he said. “They are fine young men who are new to WSU, but far away from family.”
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