Camosun International intakes swing up for 2012 Winter semester
Enrolment for new international students is up nearly two-fold over January 2011 and is the largest new intake for a January start, reports Camosun International director Geoff Wilmshurst. Including these 87 new enrolments, 462 international students from 51 countries chose to come to Camosun for their Canadian post-secondary studies for the 2011/12 academic year.
This enrolment increase reflects a refocusing of recruitment efforts on key markets, speedier admissions response times and continued strong commitment to student services. "Camosun has always had attractive academic and preparatory programs and a strong service culture for international students, so the fundamentals for increased international student recruitment are already in place," says Wilmshurst. "These elements, coupled with rigorous attention to curriculum development and accreditation, means we have a solid international reputation that attests to our high standards." Recruitment remains strong from China, which continues to be the dominant source country for International students followed by Japan, South Korea and India.
Setting targets to align with strategic goals
"Camosun's recruitment goal is to reach 10% of the full time student population in the next three years," says Wilmshurst. "Although our International population is currently less than 5%, we are confident our goals are in line with the recently announced BC Jobs Plan that calls for increasing the number of international students by 50 per cent over four years. They also align with the Sustainable Results pillar of Camosun's Strategic Plan."
The January enrolment numbers are an indication that overall international student numbers are on the rise for Camosun but Wilmshurst cautions that a one semester rise in student numbers is not enough data to indicate a student recruitment turnaround. "Typically recruitment for the Fall Semester is the real indicator of the health of post-secondary student numbers both domestically and internationally. We will continue to invest in our new marketing strategies, including the appointment of key in-country representatives in China and India, over the coming months to ensure that the momentum we have created is sustained going forward."
Camosun International provides international student marketing, recruitment and support along with international programs for Canadian students, off-shore project work and in-Canada international student customized education programs for Camosun College.
Camosun College's Mission: We build a better tomorrow by providing outstanding and relevant learning experiences, valued credentials, and life-long student success.
