Longwood University currently educates 57 international students from all over the globe. Longwood had students come from 17 different countries, including Australia, Bahamas, Canada, China, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Ireland, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Patti Trent, director of International Admissions stated, “We are happy to report that both our ESLP [English as a Second Language Program] attendance and our international student populations continue to grow.”
Trent continued, “The concerted, targeted effort to increase student diversity by including an increase in international students began in 2011. In two years, we have gone from six new undergraduate students (freshman and transfer) to 14 for fall 2013.”
Trent discussed the processes for increasing the number of international students, including a significant amount of foundational work, such as updated international admissions policies, procedures and materials.
“A recruitment marketing plan had to be created that included international travel for recruitment. Culturally appropriate and sensitive publications had to be developed. Considering that the increase in enrollment occurred simultaneously, it is a strong start,” Trent said.
The Office of International Affairs has also experienced a new position change with Petra Visscher as the new executive director of International Affairs.
Visscher has previously worked as director of International Affairs at Maryland Institute College of Art for four years, director of International Programs at Alfred University for over five years and as director of International Programs at Illinois Wesleyan University for five years.
Trent stated, “Ms. Visscher brings with her a great deal of experience in international education and many useful contacts from throughout the world. Both of these will be significant assets in our recruitment efforts.”
According to the Office of International Affairs, Longwood’s biggest challenges in international recruitment are branding. Longwood University’s reputation abroad is still unknown.
Additionally, Longwood’s recruitment strategy continues to include traveling to a diverse range of international recruitment fairs, connecting with government agencies and international associations and networking with peers in Virginia, the United States and abroad.
Trent stated that in the preceding week, she and Visscher will attend the European Association for International Educators conference in Istanbul, Turkey. Longwood was also invited by Education USA (a U.S. State Department group) to be a part of their country pavilion at the EAIE conference, a non-profit organization that provides networking and resources for individuals involved with
