Although both schools offer some programs and classes taught in Spanish, most international students seek degrees that require they speak English to attend. But offering the choice of a multi-lingual Web site sends a powerful message, said FIU President Modesto Maidique. It's an extra courtesy, an extra amenity, an extra way of reaching out and telling people that we are a multi-cultural institution serving a diverse community. UM's international enrollment is 1,509, a third of it from Central and South America. International students are not the only audience for the bilingual Web sites, say local advertising executives.
Hispanic students comprise a huge chunk of the student body at both schools.
At FIU, for example, more than half of its 30,000-plus students are Hispanic. Jessica Allen cuts lengths of 1 x 4 fir on the band saw in the Art Building Shop Room.