The Legacy of Lincoln Lives on in Illinois Higher Education
All around the world when people hear
the word “Illinois,” one of the first
connections made is Abraham Lincoln. In fact, the
state is known as the “Land of Lincoln.”
Each year over 25,000 international students who come
to Illinois immediately see the impact of Abraham
Lincoln everywhere from street names in his honor
to his stately burial site in the capitol city of
Springfield. Illinois’ favorite son who rose
from humble, barefoot boy to President of the United
States epitomizes the power of education. In the same
tradition, higher education at Illinois public universities
offers extraordinary opportunities to meet and surpass
a student’s academic and career goals. And best
of all, this empowerment can be accomplished at reasonable
costs and in the following ways.
Exceptional Faculty
Illinois universities are home to faculty
who are world-wide leaders in their respective fields,
and students have access to that expertise and knowledge
base. In Illinois, one can find not only the largest
public university library collection in the world,
but also the most current scientific and technical
tools available, such as DNA sequencers, nuclear magnetic
resonance spectrographs, and ground breaking computer
technology. “Hands on” experience at the
side of seasoned researchers is an invaluable opportunity
for serious science students. Likewise, the arts and
humanities are also a thriving component of Illinois
higher education. Published authors, creative artists,
and lauded performers permeate the faculty of Illinois.
Beautiful theatres, concert halls, and art galleries
on campus provide students with a stage for the recognition
of their talent.
Equal Access
Illinois shows a commitment of equal access
to education through its affordable tuition ranging
from approximately $5,000 to $18,000 per academic
year for international students. Because of this access,
international students experience a cross section
of American culture that is often missing in private
schools. All socio-economic classes in Illinois are
represented in our student bodies along with the blend
of rural and urban cultures. This access includes
the ongoing academic support systems to ensure the
student’s ultimate success at the university.
Students with disabilities will find our campuses
remarkable in their support systems and easily accessed
buildings. Many campuses offer ESL classes for students
to become proficient in English prior to enrollment
or concurrent with enrollment. Illinois welcomes the
diversity that international students bring to its
campuses.
Enduring Tradition
The long tradition of Illinois universities
reaches back to the first charter issued in 1867.
Many of the original buildings still stand as historical
representation of our early commitment to education
in Illinois. Several of the administration buildings,
in fact, have similar architecture and are affectionately
known as “our castles” throughout the
state.
Illinois is an ideal study destination
because of its location in the heartland of the United
States. Our universities are in close proximity to
our own Chicago and neighboring St. Louis, Missouri
and Indianapolis, Indiana. Any school choice will
either be in a metropolitan area or a short drive
away. In addition, studying in Illinois offers the
opportunity of a hub from which to travel throughout
the expansive United States during holidays and summers.
Excellent Assistance
Each university has professional staff within
specific campus offices devoted to assisting international
students with admission, arrival, and visa status
issues. Illinois international offices create a warm
welcome for their international guests by scheduling
social events and opportunities to assure that a strong
community of caring exists on each campus along with
opportunities for international students to mingle
with American students and the greater communities
surrounding the university.
Students can depend upon international
offices to assist them with not only the larger academic
issues, but also those specific needs faced by students
studying in a foreign country. Each campus offers
an orientation program to provide the immediate answers
needed by the new students. Housing, registration
of coursework, methods of payment, and other important
topics are efficiently addressed through the orientation.
Then, throughout the semester, students make appointments
with staff to discuss further questions or needs that
may arise. In addition, many universities have recognized
student organizations such as Association of International
Students as a clear identity on campus. Such organizations
provide an important platform for cultural diversity
to be not only found in textbooks, but lived out on
campus.
Abraham Lincoln once said, “Upon
the subject of education, not presuming to dictate
any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that
I view it as the most important subject which we as
people can be engaged in.” Public education
is a priority in Illinois and its state universities
present affordable, superior academic degrees. Abraham
Lincoln’s legacy lives on in Illinois’
commitment to education.
