Exposing oneself to the beauty of different cultures is a rewarding experience in the halls of higher learning.

Alexandra Navrotsky, director of the Nanomaterials in the Environment, Agriculture and Technology Initiative at UC Davis, found such an illuminating experience when Mandar Ranade entered her graduate program in 1997.

A native of India, Ranade studied at UC Davis for a doctorate in materials science, graduating in 2001. Today he is a senior engineer with Intel in India. In Navrotsky's view, Ranade embodies all that is positive and meaningful about international study.

But after growing steadily for decades, the number of international students in U.S. colleges and universities leveled off two years ago and began to decline last year. Nationwide, graduate level applications from foreign students for 2003-2004 were off by as much as 30 percent from the previous year.

At UC Davis for fall 2004, 3,381 international graduate applications were submitted. That's 742 or 18 percent fewer than had been submitted for last year.

"The openness and freedom of our campuses represent our greatest strengths in American education," said Bill Lacy, vice provost for university outreach and international programs.

And when that strength is fully leveraged -- when open doors encourage bridge-building -- both students and U.S. scholars benefit.

Such has been the case for Navrotsky.

From the start, she said, Ranade displayed an inquisitive mind, ideal for science and all the probing involved. "He was very intellectual, thoughtful and a meticulous experimentalist," Navrotsky said, "and he pioneered various measurements that have really led us into new fields, especially in thermodynamics and nanotechnolgy."

Yet it was his eager, selfless determination that may have impressed her the most.

For example, Ranade came to all of Navrotsky's lectures when he served as her teaching assistant -- even though it wasn't required. But he believed he could better teach his labs if he heard the discussions in Navrotsky's large lectures.

Ranade was not above helping out in seemingly small ways. He'd even carry Navrotsky's books when she needed a helping hand.

"He explained to me that in India the teaching assistant 'assists' the teacher in many different ways. Ranade had a mutual sense of responsibility that we don't always see in our society," said Navrotsky.

In class, he asked tough questions, said Navrotsky -- "thoughtful, contemplative questions that reflected a serious mind."

Though Ranade had quite a bit to learn about materials science -- his undergraduate degree was in electrical engineering -- it helped him that his mathematical skills were top-notch when he came to Davis. On average, foreign students are better prepared in math than American graduate students, noted Navrotsky.

An invitation abroad

After he earned his degree, Ranade asked Navrotsky to attend his wedding in India. She did, and he helped her arrange sightseeing activities and a lecture tour as well.

After graduating UC Davis, Ranade went to work for India in Intel, first in Oregon and then Bangalore in his native country. Now married and with a daughter, he travels to Intel's Santa Clara facilities a few times a year.

Ranade says his UC Davis experience was one of the best experiences he's ever had, and he showers the university with praise. "UC Davis is a socially and culturally diverse place," he said. "Research and development are performed to the highest possible standard."

Navrotsky helped him in several ways, he said, including honing his work ethic, scientific skills, and awareness of lab safety.

"Her timely feedback using constructive criticism and pointed questioning" helped him advance as a student," he said.

And his communication skills, both written and oral, improved from where they were when he arrived at UC Davis. But above all, Ranade said, Navrotsky showed a sincere interest in his development. "She made her students and even their families part of her family," he said. "It was a home away from home."

In light of the global economy, Ranade suggests it's a positive experience for American students to interact and expose themselves to international students and their cultures. "I would consider that as an early start for their career."

As for international students, it's to their advantage to study at American universities and contribute to both societies through their "research, diverse knowledge, experience, culture and ideas."

Today, Navrotsky has four graduate students and six post-docs who are international students. "We value the opportunity for international students to contribute to developing an international perspective among our students and to the internationalization of our campus," she said.

International Education Week

Toward the goal of developing mentoring relationships like Navrotsky and Rande's, UC Davis is participating in the upcoming Inter-national Education Week, Nov. 15-19, which is held nationwide at universities and colleges.

This year's theme at UC Davis is "International Education -- A Gateway to Peace." Activities will include cross-cultural discussions and practical seminars on how to find and fund international studies.

Bob Kerr, director of the international alumni and visitors program, said International Education Week will highlight the role of international education in the United States.

"The international community continues to grow at the university level," said Kerr. "Events such as these provide for an exchange of ideas, cultural awareness, global perspective and a true sharing of experiences."

Highlights of the week include:

• Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef will reflect on this year's theme at a forum on Nov. 10. He will speak about his recent international trips to Iran and South America, and outline his vision regarding the role of international education in higher education. Also, faculty, students and staff, as well as international students and scholars, will share their international experiences. The event takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in MU II.
• A faculty forum will celebrate the achievements of UC Davis faculty members whose research, study and exchange programs have created international good will. The session will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 15, in MU Garrison Room.
• Iranian human rights advocate Mehrangiz Kar will visit UC Davis as part of its Scholars at Risk program on Nov. 16. Kar will give a public lecture on human rights and democracy in Iran at 4 p.m. at the University Club on campus. For details, contact (530) 754-8945.

For a full schedule of International Education Week events, see next week's Dateline.