Written by Colin McEvoy | November 20, 2025 | SHARE
Lehigh University’s Office of International Affairs has released its 2024–25 Annual Report, highlighting a year of record global engagement, expanding partnerships, and growing impact across campus and around the world.
Lehigh University’s Office of International Affairs has released its 2024–25 Annual Report, offering a comprehensive look at the programs, partnerships, and people shaping the university’s global impact.
Below are just a few of the key facts from the 36-page report, which can be downloaded here.
Lehigh’s international community totals nearly 1,800 members
Lehigh had 967 international students from 87 countries in 2024–25, as well as 158 scholars from 41 countries. Other members of the university’s international community include Optical Practice Training students (258), OPT Extension students (189), and 136 dependents.
These numbers come as U.S. international student enrollment nationwide has reached its highest level on record in 2024–25, with about 1.2 million students, according to the Open Doors 2025 Report, released this month by the Institute of International Education (IIE) and U.S. State Department.
Lehigh’s international students generated more than $62 million in local economic impact
In 2024, Lehigh’s international students generated an estimated $62.3 million in economic impact and supported 690 local jobs, according to NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
This connection between global reach and local impact reflects Lehigh’s identity as an anchor institution, one that advances education, innovation, and opportunity both on campus and beyond, as Cheryl Matherly, Vice President & Vice Provost for International Affairs at Lehigh, wrote in NAFSA’s Trends & Insights publication.
Study abroad at Lehigh has rebounded, surpassing pre-pandemic records
Lehigh University’s study abroad participation now exceeds its pre-COVID figures, underscoring the university’s strong commitment to global engagement. It also mirrors national trends, where study abroad increased 48% in 2022–23, reflecting a strong recovery in international education.
A total of 789 Lehigh students had an international experience in the academic year 2024, and 42% of students had an international experience by graduation. Lehigh ranked #22 nationally in study abroad participation in 2024, according to the IIE.
Lehigh’s global partnerships span more than 20 countries
Lehigh’s global partnerships continue to grow in scope and impact, connecting faculty, students, and staff with leading institutions worldwide. In 2024–25, Lehigh maintained active agreements with universities and organizations across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, advancing shared goals in research, teaching, and student mobility.
Through the Global Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives office, Lehigh has 41 active global partnerships, in which either a signed memorandum of understanding or student exchange agreement is in place. More than 20 countries are represented in Lehigh’s partnership network, which can be viewed on the newly-launched Global Engagement Directory.
The LU/UN Partnership celebrated 20 years — and earned ECOSOC status for the first time
In 2024, the Lehigh University/United Nations (LU/UN) Partnership celebrated its 20th anniversary, marking two decades since Lehigh became just the sixth university in the world to attain non-governmental organization (NGO) accreditation from the United Nation.
LU/UN celebrated the anniversary with a year-long offering of events, special guests, and U.N. visits. Additionally, Lehigh was granted special consultative status with the U.N.’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), expanding its reach and influence on global policy.
Coaching is becoming a signature element of Lehigh’s global learning model.
Lehigh University is advancing a new model of global learning that places coaching at the center of intercultural development. This approach views coaching as a reflective, evidence-based practice that helps students and professionals cultivate self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to navigate complexity across cultures.
Lehigh brought this framework to a national audience by hosting an AIEA Thematic Forum in 2024, titled “Coaching and Critical Intercultural Learning: Towards a New Approach for Global Education.” By integrating coaching into its global learning strategy, Lehigh seeks to empower individuals to engage more thoughtfully in creating a more equitable and sustainable world.
Iacocca Institute expanded its leadership reach with a new Executive Fellows network.
The Lee Iacocca Institute for Global Leadership launched the Iacocca Institute Executive Fellows, a distinguished network of business leaders, educators, and multidisciplinary experts who bring real-world perspectives to the Institute’s work.
Through regular engagement, the Fellows provide insights on global trends, share best practices, and spark cross-disciplinary dialogue that enriches the Institute’s programs. Their expertise strengthens cultural competency and global awareness across the Iacocca community, equipping students and alumni to navigate complex challenges and lead effectively in a globalized world.
More Lehigh students interned in Asia than any other region for the first time.
Since its launch in 2011, the Iacocca International Internship Program (IIIP) has provided nearly 900 Lehigh students with high-quality summer internships in more than 60 countries. Each placement gives students the chance to gain hands-on professional experience while developing the intercultural agility and leadership skills that define the Institute’s mission.
In 2025, IIIP reached a new milestone with more students interning in Asia than in any other region, reflecting the program’s growing focus on dynamic, innovation-driven economies. Through support from the Freeman Foundation and a new partnership with the Global Career Center, Lehigh students secured internships in Singapore, Japan, and other countries across the region, working in sectors such as healthcare, marketing, and technology.
Lehigh launches virtual hub to strengthen engagement in India
The first Indian student enrolled at Lehigh University in 1956. Today, India is the third-largest country of origin for Lehigh international undergraduate students, and the second-largest for graduate students
With significant growth in student populations and faculty with degrees from Indian institutions, OIA has established a new virtual hub to strengthen Lehigh’s engagement to India, with an emphasis on Indian student recruitment, academic partnerships, and research collaborations.
New International Advisory Council established to enhance global engagement
Lehigh’s Office of International Affairs established a new International Advisory Council in 2024, bringing together global business leaders to provide strategic guidance and advocacy, enhancing Lehigh’s global engagement initiatives.
The International Advisory Council advises key university leaders and bolster Lehigh’s execution of its strategic vision, enhance the university’s community and environment, and reinforce its commitment to excellence in learning, scholarship, and engagement.