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Growth and Fundamentals: Key to Higher Education Enrollment
July 18, 2024
From a podcast interview with Mihaela Metianu, the Assistant Provost for Global Engagement at Florida Atlantic University.
“Building growth with the understanding that students need to feel they belong at the institution will result not only in more growth but also in attracting other students who have an affinity for that specific university.”
Institutions must first focus on getting the fundamentals right to achieve long-term success and growth in higher education. This applies to any discipline, whether sports, music, or education. Mihaela Metianu, an expert in international education, emphasizes the importance of understanding the organizational structure, securing resources, and ensuring expertise in the field.
According to Mihaela, having a strong foundation allows institutions to address challenges and adapt to changing circumstances more effectively. Institutions can navigate difficult situations and make necessary adjustments when the fundamentals are in place. On the other hand, it becomes more challenging to change course and overcome obstacles without a clear understanding of the organizational structure and the resources needed.
International students have unique needs and requirements compared to domestic students. However, the fundamental principles of providing a sense of belonging and support apply to both groups. Mihaela highlights the importance of creating an environment where international students feel they belong and can integrate into the university community.
In the United States, thousands of higher education institutions cater to different types of students. Some international students may aspire to attend Ivy League universities, while others may prefer a small private college or a public university with a vibrant campus life. By understanding the needs and preferences of international students, institutions can attract and retain students who have an affinity for their specific offerings.
One of the key factors that can drive growth in international education is the ability to offer unique experiences. Mihaela mentions the importance of providing the full United States campus experience, including activities like football games and basketball. These experiences are often seen as distinctively American and can be a major draw for international students.
By leveraging these unique experiences, institutions can differentiate themselves and attract a diverse range of international students. This contributes to growth and enhances the overall campus community by bringing together students from different backgrounds and cultures.
The focus on international education as a lever for growth in higher education has several implications and potential impacts. Firstly, it allows institutions to tap into a larger pool of potential students. With the enrollment decline and the looming enrollment cliff, attracting international students can help offset the decrease in domestic enrollments.
Secondly, international education promotes diversity and cultural exchange on campus. By welcoming students from different countries, institutions create a more inclusive and global learning environment. This exposure to diverse perspectives and cultures enriches the educational experience for all students and prepares them for a globalized world.
Lastly, international education contributes to the institution's economic growth and the surrounding community. International students often pay higher tuition fees, which can provide additional revenue for the institution. Additionally, these students contribute to the local economy through their spending on housing, transportation, and other goods and services.
In conclusion, international education plays a crucial role in addressing the decline in enrollment and fostering growth in higher education. Institutions can navigate challenges and adapt to changing circumstances by understanding the fundamentals. Creating a sense of belonging and offering unique experiences attracts international students and contributes to growth. Furthermore, international education promotes diversity, cultural exchange, and economic growth.
To ensure long-term success, institutions must continue to prioritize international education and adapt their strategies to meet students' evolving needs. By doing so, they can overcome the decline in enrollment and create a vibrant and inclusive learning environment that prepares students for a globalized world.
To catch the full interview with Mihaela, CLICK HERE.
