Coming Together from Near and Far - International Students at WPI, 1872-1943

This digital exhibit showcases WPI's earliest student body diversity - the admission of foreign-born students. The arrival of early international students from Japan, Brazil, and Canada in the mid-1870's soon led to an influx of students from across the globe. These students made an immediate and lasting mark on campus culture, as their accomplishments in the classroom, workshops, laboratories, and athletic fields were celebrated by first their peers, then the world.

The legacy of these early international students continues to echo through generations down to today's students from abroad representing more than forty countries and comprising nearly 20% of the student population. Through the Global Projects Program and many campus organizations and offices, WPI continues to be a global leader in promoting cultural exchange and cooperation across international boundaries.

This digital exhibit is growing. Please come back and visit to see new student spotlights added by our Archives and Special Collections department.