Welcoming international students is no longer exclusive to traditional four-year universities; community colleges have long received international student applications, and recent data shows a rising interest in these institutions. With this growing demand, community colleges are emerging as a vital option for international student enrollment.
To attract more international students, you don’t need extensive scholarship programs or high-ranking standings. A recruitment strategy can be effective with steps as simple as making information readily available and creating the right partnerships.
Read more for insights into how to recruit international students to your community college.
The growing interest in community colleges
Community colleges are gaining international attention again. As the latest Open Doors report shows, the number of foreign students enrolled in American colleges is rising: after five years of decline, the data from the 2022/23 academic year shows a 7.2% increase from the previous year.
The report also reveals that, although China and India remain the leading places of origin for international students enrolled in universities, community colleges mainly receive students from China (8.4%), Vietnam (7.6%), Japan (5.9%), South Korea (5%), and Brazil (4.7%).
Most of these students gravitate towards fields like Math and Computer Science or Engineering, followed by Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities, Business, and Management.
Intensive English courses have seen the highest growth – 41% from 2021/22. The number likely represents students looking to improve their language proficiency before transitioning to a four-year university: a popular pathway among students with lower TOEFL or IELTS scores is completing the first two years of study at a community college, which allows them to transfer the credits they have earned while meeting the school’s language requirements.
Why international students are choosing community colleges
Affordability is the main factor attracting international students to community colleges. With significantly lower tuition fees when compared to four-year institutions, these schools are an alternative to students seeking a smaller financial commitment for a foreign degree.
The “2+2” model also appeals to many students. This pathway allows students to earn a Bachelor’s degree by completing their first two years at a community college and the last two at a four-year university. Through this model, the student has time to acclimate to a different culture while the university receives a student with previous experience in the local education system.
For international students who prioritize direct entry into the workforce, shorter programs like associate degrees, certificates, and other micro-credentials are particularly appealing, as they are designed to provide hands-on experience and industry-relevant skills.
Key strategies for recruiting international students
International recruitment can look different from one college to another, as each has access to a different budget to support new marketing initiatives. However, even simple steps such as improving the school’s website or increasing its social media presence can impact brand recognition and enrollment numbers.
Here are some strategies to consider implementing:
Optimize the website for foreign visitors
The college’s website is often the first point of contact between a prospective student and the school. It needs to be user-friendly and easy to navigate. Make every page translatable into multiple languages, especially those native to the countries that send the most students abroad.
Provide clear information on everything students need to know – programs, application processes, transfer pathways, tuition costs, etc – and offer multiple communication channels through which students and families can contact the staff for any further questions.
To help prospective students picture themselves in your school, include testimonials and success stories from current and past international students. They are a simple yet effective way of demonstrating the college’s commitment to international education.
Provide support services for international students
International students require comprehensive assistance from application to arrival. Online information sessions covering visa requirements, housing options, class enrollment, and academic expectations can ease the transition. Once they arrive in a new country, services like airport pick-up and detailed guides to local transportation will help them settle safely.
On campus, use in-person orientation to introduce the students to local resources, faculty members, and classmates and help them integrate into campus life.
Having trained staff available to advise on immigration and visa matters is crucial for international colleges. These consultants can help students with visa renewals, provide information on maintaining legal status, and offer guidance on employment options.
International students benefit significantly from English as a Second Language (ESL) programs and other language resources. Services like language labs, conversation clubs, writing assistance, and tutoring can enhance language proficiency and improve students’ academic performance.
Collaborate with global partners and education agents
Partnering with recruitment agencies can create a direct route for international students interested in attending a North American community college. These agents offer personalized orientation and often participate in global education fairs, becoming the first point of contact between a prospective student and the school.
Partnerships with foreign universities are another excellent way of getting international students acquainted with your school. Joint workshops – which can be offered remotely or in person by a college representative – can spark students’ interest and provide key information about program options and exchange opportunities.
By focusing partnership initiatives on the top countries of origin, your school can gain access to thousands of new prospective students interested in studying abroad.
Becoming a global college
Understanding the unique needs of international students is the first step in becoming a globally-oriented college. They require closer attention and more extensive support from staff, faculty, and peers alike and, in return, they help increase school revenue and bring a new level of diversity and cultural awareness to campus – values that remain as important as ever in the face of the current growing animosity in higher education.
Combining the strategies described here with targeted recruitment efforts can make your college an outstanding destination for bright students worldwide.
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