UNIVERSITY OUTREACH
Windsor looks to India
The University of Windsor is in the process of putting down roots in foreign soil for the first time with a recruitment office in India. University officials are currently reviewing multiple bids from the request for proposals they put out in August with hopes of opening the office in late November or early December.
“The idea is to help improve the student experience,” said Chris Busch, associate vice-president of enrolment management. “The information will be more authentic because it’ll come directly from the University of Windsor. “
Busch said the location of the office has yet to be decided, but will likely be in one of India’s main cities such as New Delhi or Mumbai. The office will serve Southeast Asia and the Middle East and will open with a single employee to start.
“We want it in a city where there’s a large student population that we’re drawing from,” Busch said. “We want the city to have an airport where there’s easy access for visits to the university.” Busch said the university has moved to create its first standalone office with interest in Canadian education from Indian students and families growing. India and China are the source of the largest numbers of international students. Of the 14,553 full-time students enrolled this fall, 3,431 are international students. There are 1,783 students from India.
“The colleges have been a little quicker getting into India than universities, but this (office) isn’t new to Canadian education,” Busch said.
“Each of the proponents submitting proposals service other Canadian institutions.”
The university also contracts agents, who represent multiple universities, in its international student recruitment efforts. “Having an office in India will make it easier for students because they won’t have to be up at 2 a.m. to contact us in Windsor with questions,” Busch said. “There’ll be someone there, who understands their language and culture to help them with applications and information. We really want to help students make the best decision.” The other service Busch feels will be key is helping students prepare for the transition to Canadian education.
The educational environment is different, there’s housing to secure and classes ramp up pretty quickly,” Busch said. “We want students to be well prepared for that transition.”
Busch said if the India office works as well as expected, there are plans to open other ones. China would be the next country to be considered.
“By having a representative in India to represent just the University of Windsor, it also frees us to focus on recruitment in other countries,” Busch said. Busch said the surge in interest in Canadian education by international students is recognition of the quality of the education offered and the opportunities it provides. “There’s increased immigration potential through education,” Busch said. “The barriers to immigration have eroded over time and we need skilled immigrants. “More Indian students try to stay than go back home after graduation.”