International students affected by the Asian financial crisis continued to face problems this summer due to Asian currency devaluation, but the biggest problems may begin now that summer is over.

Many international students spent their summers working so they could afford to stay at Iowa State, while others took classes in an effort to graduate before the situation worsened.

The biggest problem will come when the students receive their university bills.

Tuition money that international students had saved for fall semester has dropped tremendously in value, said Dennis Peterson, director of the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS).

“What a lot [of students] are waiting for is to see if the currencies become more valuable,” he said.

Peterson said about two-thirds of international students took classes this summer, and other students found paid internships.

A $100,000 emergency loan fund was established by ISU President Martin Jischke earlier this year and students were interviewed to receive funding.

The OISS also is attempting to collect money to help those needing tuition money.

“We’ve submitted some applications to nationwide fund loans and scholarship programs,” Peterson said.

Some students opted to pay for their spring 1998 tuition by installments. However, Peterson said many students have resorted to borrowing money from other students.

International students looking for work can also go to the OISS for help in acquiring United States work permits, Peterson said.

“We’d like to have more of them come forward [for help],” he said. “There is a hesitancy to share the information.”

Peterson said international students may be getting a false reality of the crisis from their parents, which causes them not to feel a sense of urgency.

“We help them understand their need is so great and their financial resources are so minimal, they might have to go home,” he said. “They’re really creative and have a lot of determination. If the currency becomes more valuable again, hopefully they can stay.”

And that is exactly what the OISS hopes to accomplish — retain as many students as possible.

“Some have left, but I think a lot are waiting to see what happens [with currency values],” Peterson said.

However, Peterson remains optimistic and does not think the conditions will steer the students home.

“The students who are here had to go through a lot to get here in the first place,” he said. “They have learned a lot of good coping mechanisms along the way.”

Peterson said a bond that formed between many of the affected international students has improved some students’ chances of staying at ISU. Activities such as cooking meals together not only save money, but also provide support.

Student organizations also are good support devices for those in need of encouragement and help, Peterson said. The Korean, Indonesian, Malaysian and Thai student groups have mandates to help the people from their countries get through the crisis.