KAMLOOPS – Thompson Rivers University has marked another milestone, breaking its own record, with a total of 1,033 international students from 65 different countries studying on the Kamloops campus this fall.
This represents an almost 10 per cent increase of over last fall when the previous highest record for international students was set, and an 8 per cent increase in the number of countries represented on the TRU campus.
While student numbers from China, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea still lead the way, a European country has cracked the ‘Top 5’ for the first time, and the most significant new growth is coming from countries from Africa and the Middle East.
With 33 students, Germany has become first non-Asian country to rank in the top five of international student numbers at TRU, while Russia (31), Nigeria (30) and Saudi Arabia (23) are all new to the ‘TRU World Top 10’ list. The other two countries in the top ten include Hong Kong (32) and Indonesia (32).
In terms of diversity, there are 61 students from seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa, including the record 30 students from Nigeria and eleven students each from Kenya and Zimbabwe; 40 students from nine countries in North Africa and the Middle East; 27 students from the four countries in Scandinavia; and 20 students from seven countries in Central and South America, including Mexico.
“The level of service provided to students by staff in our division makes us unique in this country” said Cyndi McLeod, Associate Vice-President of TRU World, the international arm of the university that includes international student recruitment, international contract training and development, and international partnerships and accreditations.
“We recognize this as a major accomplishment in a very competitive environment, and the key to our success is the way in which we touch the lives of students from the first time we have contact with them, right through to their graduation from the university.”
TRU is also experiencing continued growth in other areas of activity under the umbrella of TRU World, including programs delivered offshore. Over 1,000 students are enrolled in degree programs in business at two different universities in China, and a new program in India has jumped from 30 students last year to over 140 students enrolled this fall.
New agreements are also under discussion in Chile, Singapore, Vietnam and Dubai, and record numbers of Canadian students are expected to be see the world and make an international experience an integral part of their education as they take advantage of over 300 different university ‘Study Abroad’ opportunities now available at TRU.
“Our continued growth on all fronts also has major economic implications for the local Kamloops economy, and is generating revenues that are vital for the university to keep seats open in existing programs and create new opportunities for Canadian students” said McLeod.
For more information please contact :
Cyndi McLeod, AVP TRU World, (250)851-5162 or by email to:cmcleod@tru.ca
or
Josh Keller, Director Communications at 828-5008 or by email:jkeller@tru.ca
