In order to become a more internationally diverse college, Guilford is sending representatives around the world. Efforts to increase international appeal could lead to an increase in full-time international students over the next few years. 

Vice President for Enrollment Services Randy Doss travelled to Bahrain in mid-November as part of an initiative to appeal to potential Middle Eastern students. The visit was part of the international education and diversity plan goals cited in Guilford’s Strategic Long-Range Plan for 2011-2016 or SLRP II.

Bahrain is one of the many abroad destinations being surveyed for potential students. In addition to the Middle East, locations of interest include India and China.

“Expanding our recruitment of full-time international students is an important long-term goal for the college,” said Doss. “(In addition to Bahrain) we’ve also taken trips to India recently and will be going to China in the spring.”

The SLRP II draft for October 2010 describes the recruitment of international students as a way to “enrich the global perspectives of our students and encourage exchanges of faculty and students.”

“It certainly isn’t just about increasing diversity,” said Nancy Riemer, assistant director of admissions. “It can introduce new voices and perspectives. We need to think of education on a global-level.”

The draft outlines improvements to international programs and language education as part of these initiatives. New positions are planned for language education faculty and study away/abroad staff. Additional language resources will support both international education and study abroad.

“Promoting international diversity is incredibly important to Guilford,” said Jeff Favolise, assistant to the president for planning and management via e-mail. “SLRP II and the Diversity Plan place a very high priority on preparing students for a globalized society, which is very consistent with our core values and principled problem solving.”

Although the changes proposed by the SLRP II were expected to be gradual, recent success in Bahrain suggests that Guilford may attract interest from the Middle East sooner rather than later.  

“So far everything has gone well,” said Doss. “There has been a lot of student interest and we’re following up on inquiries.”

Riemer believes that increased international diversity will be well-received. 

“According to what we hear from prospective students, they are seeking diversity,” said Riemer.

The SLRP II draft states that an increased international focus will help students “understand, respect, accept, and celebrate differences of all kinds in a culturally, ethically, and socially diverse world.”

Conversely, support from international students benefits students by enriching the community and encouraging appreciation of cultural diversity. 

“Lots of work and planning has gone into this,” said Associate Director of Admissions Tania Rachkoskie. “It’s an important goal for the college because it’s good for students to have diverse perspectives. It enhances their overall experience.” 

Rachkoskie believes that the benefits of increasing international diversity on campus are obvious. 

“For me, it’s a given,” said Rachkoskie. “One of the things that’s great about college is that you’re exposed to new things.”